Minor earthquake linked to mining activity shakes southwestern Poland

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake was recorded in southwestern Poland early Monday morning, with tremors felt near the industrial town of Rudna.

A 4,1-magnitude earthquake was felt in southwestern Poland, but causing no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Photo: earthquake.usgs.gov

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake struck at approximately 03:36 UTC (just before 6 a.m. local time) on May 19.

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the epicentre was located about 9 kilometers from the town of Lubin and 31 kilometers north of Legnica, in the Lower Silesia region - a historically significant area for mining operations.

#Earthquake (#wstrząs) confirmed by seismic data.⚠Preliminary info: M3.5 || 25 km N of #Legnica (#Poland) || 3 min ago (local time 05:46:57). Follow the thread for the updates👇 pic.twitter.com/POTMRtzCp9

— EMSC (@LastQuake) May 19, 2025

The tremor was not caused by natural seismic activity, but by industrial operations in the region.

Artur Newecki, a spokesperson for the mining company KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., told TVN Meteo that the event was detected by the Lubin Mining Division and classified as a “level seven” on the mining industry’s internal scale, indicating a strong mining-induced tremor.

No miners were underground at the time, and the event was linked to pre-planned underground work such as rock crushing and construction activities. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

(m p)

Source: USGS/EMSC/TVN Meteo/X/@LastQuake