Stability Analysis of the Southwest Section Slope in Sungun Copper Mine Using Numerical Analysis Method with FLAC2D Software

Determining slope stability is considered one of the most crucial design parameters in open-pit mines. Optimal slope selection leads to a reduction in the risk of wall collapse and prevents unnecessary waste removal, contributing to the economic viability of the project. If a low slope is chosen for the walls, there is a higher need for waste removal. On the other hand, opting for steep walls may compromise safety and increase the likelihood of instability. This article presents a logical and referenceable analysis of the stability of the southwest walls of the Sungun mine using numerical analysis methods. Considering the large dimensions of the walls, a two-dimensional model was constructed using FLAC2D software. The effects of wall geometry and major geological structures were incorporated into the two-dimensional model, and stability analysis was performed. The stability analysis results indicate that in the current geometry, the wall slope is not entirely stable, with a safety factor of less than 0.99. There is a high potential for instability before the completion of mining operations and full extraction of mineral reserves. To enhance stability in this part of the mine and increase the safety factor, it is necessary to reduce the wall slope or explore other methods.