Basic structural factors of pit wall stability in open-pit coal mines

Basic natural factors that influence stability of pit wall in open-pit coal mines area analyzed. The authors’ research findings reveal the major influences on slope stability at coal deposits. These influences include weak interfaces representing usually clay bands. Emphasis is laid on the influence of depositional cycles as the main structural units of sedimentary rocks, which form a stable and steady system. The layers of depositional cycles are considered as the key bonding elements in rock mass. Formation and characteristics of endogenous fractures, their influence on strength of rock mass, as well as their distribution as function of thickness of layers in depositional cycles are comprehensively discussed. The interrelation between the thickness of layers in depositional cycles and the density of endogenous fractures is described in detail as this correlation has a direct influence on slope stability. Positions of weak layer interfaces relative to an open pit are of vital importance in prediction of deformations. The influence of strength and morphology of layer interfaces on the pit wall stability is analyzed. The pitch of the layers toward the pit and rock mass is also investigated as it has a substantial impact on the stability of the non-mining pit wall. The weak interfaces are systematized with respect to the type and shearing strength of rocks, and the types of weak interfaces are illustrated by examples from mining practices. The main types of weak interfaces, which have different behavior in deformation, are identified. Importance of characterization of these interfaces and their influence on rock mass stability is emphasized.

Suprun V. I., Zelenin D. P., Kazakov V. A. Basic structural factors of pit wall stability in open-pit coal mines. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2025;(12):52-69. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2025_12_0_52.

V.I. Suprun, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Mining Engineer, Director PEC of NUST MISIS, 119049, Moscow, Russia, e-mail: labstone@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-4585-8003,
D.P. Zelenin, Mining Engineer, Deputy Director for Long-term Development, JSC «CHERNIGOVETS», 652420, Berezovsky, Russia, e-mail: d.p.zelenin@chernigovets.ru,
V.A. Kazakov, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, NUST MISIS, 119049, Moscow, Russia, e-mail: kazakov.va@misis.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7700-3985.

V.A. Kazakov, e-mail: kazakov.va@misis.ru.

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