# Geomechanical Basis for Assessing Open-Pit Slope Stability in High-Altitude Gold Mining
###### Abstract  
The development of mining operations in high-altitude regions is associated with a number of geomechanical challenges caused by increased rock fracturing, adverse climatic conditions, and high seismic activity. These issues are particularly relevant for the exploitation of gold ore deposits, where the stability of open-pit slopes directly affects both safety and extraction efficiency. The aim of this study is to develop and practically substantiate a comprehensive approach to assessing and ensuring slope stability, using the Bozymchak gold ore deposit--located in a high-altitude and seismically active zone--as a case study. The research involves the laboratory testing of rock samples obtained from engineering-geological boreholes, field shear tests on rock prisms, laser scanning of pit slopes, and digital geomechanical modeling. The developed calculation schemes take into account the structural features of the rock mass, geological conditions, and the design contours of the pit. In addition, special bench excavation technologies with pre-shear slotting and automated GeoMoS monitoring are implemented for real-time slope condition tracking. The results of the study make it possible to reliably determine the strength characteristics of the rocks under natural conditions, identify critical zones of potential collapse, and develop recommendations for optimizing slope parameters and mining technologies. The implemented approach ensures the required level of safety. s _Applied sciences_  
Article  
Geomechanical Basis for Assessing Open-Pit Slope Stability in High-Altitude Gold Mining  
[PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON], D.  
studies, instrumental monitoring, and numerical modeling. To address these challenges, this study applied in situ shear prism tests, laboratory compressive and shear strength testing, laser scanning of pit slopes, geological investigations, and digital geomechanical modeling [1]. This research focuses on the Bozymchak gold deposit [2], located in a high-altitude, seismically active region. Geologically, the pit slopes consist of grandoitories on the southern wall and marbleized limestones on the northern wall, necessitating a differentiated approach to slope stability assessment. A significant portion of the rock mass lies within the weathering crust, which reduces cohesion and alters the mechanical behavior of the rocks [3; 4]. Additional boreholes were drilled to refine the engineering-geological model, and the strength parameters were determined through both standard laboratory procedures and in situ testing using a hydraulic jack and steel casing. The obtained values of cohesion and the internal friction angle were further adjusted to account for structural weakening within the rock mass [5; 6]. A critical feature of the Bozymchak pit is the presence of downward-oriented fracture systems and tectonic faults in the near-slope zone, which can cause localized rockfalls under certain conditions. These risks were confirmed by field observations and a retrospective analysis of documented rockfall events. To evaluate potential failure mechanisms, a classification method developed by Professor [PERSON] was employed, allowing slope stability to be assessed based on the orientation of fracture systems relative to the slope face [7]. Laser scanning data and geological mapping were used to construct digital models of the slope environment and identify high-risk zones within the design contours of the pit. Given the seismicity of the site, accounting for dynamic loads is a critical component of the stability assessment, especially for the northern slope. According to available data [4], seismic events with magnitudes up to nine (Richter scale) can reduce safety factors to near-critical levels. Additional slope stability is ensured through controlled blasting techniques, including pre-shear slotting and optimized explosive consumption, which help form smooth and stable slope surfaces [8].