Analytical Review of the Methods of Studying Open Pit Slope Stability Under the Conditions of Mining Operations Digitalization

N.A. Vishnevskaya; S.B. Ozhigina; S.G. Ozhigin; U.A. Kubaidullina; R.K. Baigali; R.T. Babazhanov

doi:10.31643/2028/6445.10

Authors

N.A. Vishnevskaya Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University
S.B. Ozhigina Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University
S.G. Ozhigin Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University
U.A. Kubaidullina Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University
R.K. Baigali Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University
R.T. Babazhanov Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31643/2028/6445.10

Keywords:

Slope stability, Computational Method, Instrumental Method, Terrestrial Laser Scanning, Earth Remote Sensing, Integrated Digital System.

Abstract

Open-pit slope stability is one of the key factors determining the safety and efficiency of open-pit mining operations. With increasing pit depth, growing complexity of rock mass structure, and intensification of mining activities, the need for advanced methods for studying slope stability based on digital technologies is steadily increasing. The aim of this study is to systematize and comparatively analyze modern methods for investigating open-pit slope stability, taking into account their capabilities and limitations under mining conditions. The paper presents an analytical review of computational geomechanical approaches, geodetic instrumental methods, terrestrial laser scanning, UAV-based photogrammetry, and satellite radar interferometry (InSAR). A comparative analysis of these methods is performed based on key parameters, including data type, spatial coverage, and capabilities for deformation analysis. The results show that each method has specific advantages and limitations related to data characteristics, observation conditions, and analytical potential. It is established that none of the methods, when used individually, provides a complete and reliable description of slope stability. The highest level of informativeness is achieved through the integration of different methods within comprehensive analytical approaches. The results of this study provide a systematic understanding of the role of modern digital methods in slope stability research and confirm the перспективность of developing integrated digital systems for monitoring and assessing open-pit slope stability.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

N.A. Vishnevskaya, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University

Phd Student, Teacher of the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, ave. Nursultan Nazarbayev, 56, 100027, Karaganda, Kazakhstan. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2434-2019

S.B. Ozhigina, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University

Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate professor of the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Ave. Nursultan Nazarbayev, 56, 100027, Karaganda, Kazakhstan. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7986-2858

S.G. Ozhigin, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University

Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, Ave. Nursultan Nazarbayev, 56, 100027, Karaganda, Kazakhstan. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2432-3851

U.A. Kubaidullina, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University

Phd Student, Teacher of the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, ave. Nursultan Nazarbayev, 56, 100027, Karaganda, Kazakhstan. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2445-5590

R.K. Baigali, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University

Phd Student, Teacher of the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, ave. Nursultan Nazarbayev, 56, 100027, Karaganda, Kazakhstan. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4431-2172

R.T. Babazhanov, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University

Phd Student, Teacher of the Department of Mine Surveying and Geodesy, Abylkas Saginov Karaganda Technical University, ave. Nursultan Nazarbayev, 56, 100027, Karaganda, Kazakhstan. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0498-8899

References

Fakir M, Ferentinou M. A holistic open pit mine slope stability index using artificial neural networks. ISRM International Symposium, Cape Town. South Africa. 2–7 October. 2017, 331-348

Tsevegmid T, Kim Y, Lee S, Kim B. A Comparative Analysis of Slope Stability Methods for an Open-Pit Mine in Mongolia. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15:9984. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15189984

Jiang J, Sun J, Wang D, Wang L, Cao L, Cai M. An evaluation method of open pit slope stability based on Poset theory. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources. 2024; 10:11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-023-00708-y

Vujić L, Čebašek V, Gajić G, Gojkovićn, Miljanović I, Petrovski A. Potential traps and risks in slope stability calculations at open pit mines. 4th Balkanmine Congress, Slovenia, Ljubljana. 2011, 527-531.

Sun Z, Balasubramanian GR, Fager A, Crouse B, Barlow G, Abouaali M. Numerical Analysis of Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining based on an Integrated Geology and Geomechanics Approach. 58th U.S. Rock Mechanics. Geomechanics Symposium, USA, Colorado, Golden. 2024, 8. https://doi.org/10.56952/ARMA-2024-0499

Steiakakis E, Xiroudakis G, Lazos I, Vavadakis D, Bazdanis G. Stability Analysis of a Multi-Layered Slope in an Open Pit Mine. Geosciences. 2023; 13(12):359. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13120359

Cao H, Ma G, Liu P, Qin X, Wu C, Lu J. Multi-Factor Analysis on the Stability of High Slopes in Open-Pit Mines. Applied Sciences. 2023; 13(10):5940. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13105940

Yang X, Hao Z, Ma G, Li G. Research on Slope Stability Evaluation Based on Improved Set Pair Analysis Method: A Case of Tonglvshan Open-Pit Mine. Shock and Vibration. 2021; 6713581:16. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6713581

Koriawan GP, Mawaleda M, Pachri H. Slope Stability analysis based on rock mass rating (RMR) method at an open pit mine, east Java, Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, Mataram, Indonesia. 2024; 1422:012006. https://doi.org/1755-1315/1422/1/012006

Liu Q, Ren YQ, Wu XY, Chen JY, Chen XM. Slope Stability Analysis of the Mining Pit in an Open Pit Nonmetallic Mine. Engineering Technology Trends. 2025; 3(1):6-11.

Lin B. Stability Analysis of Dump Slope: Taking Zijinshan Open-Pit Mine as an Example. Mobile Information Systems. 2022; 9009528:20. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/9009528

Pykhteeva NF, Andreeva ON, Koltsov PV. Stability analysis of pit slopes in ZapadnoOzerny quarry to ensure mine safety. ICITE 2023. E3S Web of Conferences. 2024; 474. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202447401072

Nguyen HV, Pham KC, Nguyen DB, Nguyen LQ. Application of the GNSS Method in the Monitoring of Mine Surface Displacement: A Systemic Review. Inzynieria Mineralna. 2024; 2(1):247-255. http://doi.org/10.29227/IM-2024-01-115

Shi S, Guo Z, Ding P, Tao Y, Mao H, Jiao Z. Failure Mechanism and Stability Control Technology of Slope during Open-Pit Combing Underground Extraction: A Case Study from Shanxi Province of China. Sustainability. 2022; 14(14);8939. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148939

Afeni TB, Cawood FT. Slope Monitoring using Total Station: What are the Challenges and How Should These be Mitigated. South African Journal of Geomatics. 2013; 2(1):41-53.

Nizametdinov FK, Murat G, Mustafin, Sergey G Ozhigin, Asem Serikkyzy Tuyakbai. Geomonitoring sostoyaniya ustoychivosti karyernykh otkosov [Geomonitoring of stability state of career slopes]. Interekspo Geo-Sibir = Interexpo GEO-Siberia. 2020, 176-185. (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.33764/2618-981X-2020-1-1-176-185

Brown N, Kaloustian S, Roeckle M. Monitoring of Open Pit Mines Using Combined GNSS Satellite Receivers and Robotic Total Stations. Slope Stability. 2007, 417-429.

Kazakov AN, Fazilova DH, Khamitov NA. Monitoring slope displacements at the kalmakyr open-pit mine using gnss and gamit/globk processing. Technical science and innovation. 2025; 3(5):31-36. https://doi.org/10.59048/2181-1180.1708

Ponomarenko MR. Razrabotka metoda deformatsionnogo monitoringa otkrytykh gornykh rabot v usloviyakh kraynego severa s ispolzovaniyem kosmicheskogo radiolokatsionnogo zondirovaniya [Development of a method for deformation monitoring of open-pit mining operations in the Far North using space radar sensing]. Sankt-Peterburg. 2018, 155. (in Russ.).

Yin C, Li H, Hu Z, Li Y. Application of the Terrestrial Laser Scanning in Slope Deformation Monitoring: Taking a Highway Slope as an Example. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10:2808. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10082808

Guo Y, Li X, Ju S, Lyu Q, Liu T. Utilization of 3D Laser Scanning for Stability Evaluation and Deformation Monitoring of Landslides. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2022; 8225322:14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8225322

Lefu N, Nokwe V. Use of laser scanner technology as part of the slope stability risk management strategy at Letšeng diamond mine. Slope Stability. Proceedings of the 2020 International Symposium on Slope Stability in Open Pit Mining and Civil Engineering, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth. 2020, 241-254. https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2025_11

Bazarnik M. Slope stability monitoring in open pit mines using 3D terrestrial laser scanning. AG 2018 – 4th International Conference on Applied Geophysics. E3S Web of Conferences. 2018; 66. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20186601020

Yartseva VF, Ozhigin DS, Dolgonosov VN, Ozhigina SB, Ozhigin SG. Study of rock mass structural features based on laser scanning results. Kompleksnoe Ispolzovanie Mineralnogo Syra = Complex Use of Mineral Resources. 2026; 338(3):72-80. https://doi.org/10.31643/2026/6445.30

Zarovnyayev BN, Shubin GV, Vasilyev IV, Varlamova LD. Monitoring sostoyaniya bortov glubokikh karyerov s primeneniyem tekhnologii nazemnogo lazernogo skanirovaniya [Monitoring of the condition of the sides of deep quarries using ground-based laser scanning technology]. Mining Journal. 2016; 9;37–40. (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17580/gzh.2016.09.07

Kazantseva VV, Ozhigin DS, Kosarev NS, Satbergenova АK, Ozhigina SB. Development of complex system of geotechnical monitoring of technogenic objects based on geospatial data. Journal of Mining Institute. 2025; 16590:1-15.

Tangadzani JP, Paradzayi C, Muromo TG. Application of UAV-based Photogrammetry in Monitoring Slope Deformations in Open Pit Mining Environments: A Systematic Review. Proceedings of the FIG Working Week. 2024.

Tsachouridis S, Pavloudakis F, Sachpazis C, Tsioukas V. Monitoring Slope Stability: A Comprehensive Review of UAV Applications in Open-Pit Mining, Land. 2025; 14:1193. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061193

Ciccarese G, Tondo M, Mulas M, Bertolini G, Corsini A. Rapid Assessment of Landslide Dynamics by UAV-RTK Repeated Surveys Using Ground Targets: The Ca’ Lita Landslide (Northern Apennines, Italy). Remote Sensimg. 2024; 16(6):1032. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16061032

Yigit AY, Senol HI. Surface Change and Stability Analysis in Open-Pit Mines Using UAV Photogrammetric Data and Geospatial Analysis. Drones. 2025; 9:472. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9070472

Avrunev EI, Yambayev KhK, Opritova OA, Chernov AV, Gogolev DV. Otsenka tochnosti 3D-modeley, postroyennykh s ispolzovaniyem bespilotnykh aviatsionnykh system [Evaluation of the accuracy of 3D models built using unmanned aircraft systems]. Vestnik Sgugit = Vestnik Ssugt. 2018; 23(3):211-228. (in Russ.).

Junaid M, Al-Atroush ME, Mahmood S, Shah KS, Ullah A. Recent developments in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys for rock slope stability analysis-a review. Geocarto International. 2025; 40;1:2519915. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2025.2519915

Maulana F R, Wattimena R K, Sulistianto B. Integrated D-InSAR and Ground-based Radar for Open Pit Slope Stability Monitoring and Implications for Rock Mass Young’s Modulus Reduction. Journal of Engineering and Technological Sciences. 2023; 55(3):247-260. https://doi.org/10.5614/j.eng.technol.sci.2023.55.3.3

Mozer DV, Karaneyeva AD, Isainova GO, Satbergenova AK, Estayeva AR. Kosmicheskiy monitoring za deformatsiyami zemnoy poverkhnosti na territorii Ekibastuzskogo mestorozhdeniya [Space monitoring of deformations of the Earth's surface in the territory of the Ekibastuz field]. Interekspo Geo-Sibir = Interexpo GEO-Siberia. 2016; 4(1):55-58. (in Russ.).

Haupt S, Sibolla B, Mdakane LW. Time series insar analysis for slope stability monitoring using sentinel-1 in open pit mining. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XLVIII-1/W2-2023 ISPRS Geospatial Week 2023. Cairo, Egypt. 2023, 945-951. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVIII-1-W2-2023-945-2023

Gorbunov VA, Kantemirov YuI. Rezultaty kosmicheskogo radarnogo monitoringa deformatsiy bortov i ustupov karyerov OAO Gayskiy GOK i smeshcheniy zemnoy poverkhnosti i sooruzheniy na promyshlennoy ploshchadke predpriyatiya [The results of space radar monitoring of deformations of the sides and ledges of JSC Gaisky GOK quarries and displacements of the Earth's surface and structures at the industrial site of the enterprise]. Geomatika = Geomatics. 2013; 2:70-76. (in Russ.).

Nunu S. Issledovaniye problemy neustoychivosti bortov karyerov Britanskoy Kolumbii [Investigation of the problem of instability of the sides of British Columbia quarries]. Fiziko-tekhnicheskiye problemy razrabotki poleznykh iskopayemykh = Journal of Mining Science. 2018; 5:115-123. (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.15372/FTPRPI20180511

Nguyen H V, Pham K C, Vo D N, Dinh T T, Pham C V. Monitoring subsidence of open pit mine slope based on GNSS/CORS technology - case study at the Coc Sau open-pit coal mine. Journal of Mining and Earth Sciences. 2024; 65(3):109–122. https://doi.org/10.46326/JMES.2024.65(3).10

Le Roux R, Sepehri M, Khaksar S, Murray I. Slope Stability Monitoring Methods and Technologies for Open-Pit Mining: A Systematic Review. Mining. 2025; 5:32. https://doi.org/10.3390/mining5020032

Cheng Y, Hou K. Open-Pit Slope Stability Analysis Integrating Empirical Models and Multi-Source Monitoring Data. Applied Sciences. 2025; 15:9278. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15179278

Nguyen PMV, Marciniak M. Stochastic Rock Slope Stability Analysis: Open Pit Case Study with Adjacent Block Caving. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering. 2024; 42:5827–5845. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-024-02862-w

Wang S, Zhang Z, Wang C. Prediction of stability coefficient of open‑pit mine slope based on artificial intelligence deep learning algorithm. Scientific Reports. 2023; 13:12017. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-38896-y

Fomenko IK, Novgorodova MA, Sirotkina ON. Sovremennyye sredstva otsenki ustoychivosti bortov karyerov i otkosov otvalov [Modern tools for assessing the stability of quarry sides and landfill slopes]. Nauchno-prakticheskaya konferentsiya, posvyashchennaya 60-letiyu Yakutskogo nauchno-issledovatelskogo i proyektnogo instituta almazodobyvayushchey promyshlennosti Yakutniproalmaz. Gornodobyvayushchaya Promyshlennost V 21 Veke: Vyzovy I Realnost [Scientific and practical conference dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Yakut Scientific Research and Design Institute of the Diamond Industry Yakutniproalmaz. Mining Industry In The 21st Century: Challenges And Reality. Russia, Mirniy. 2021, 29-32. (in Russ.).