Integrating Slide3 and monitoring data for slope risk management in open pit mining: lessons from Bingham Canyon Mine

Authors: Mallea Donoso, I; Roa, C; Beck, J Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_35

Cite As:
Mallea Donoso, I, Roa, C & Beck, J 2025, 'Integrating Slide3 and monitoring data for slope risk management in open pit mining: lessons from Bingham Canyon Mine', in JJ Potter & J Wesseloo (eds), SSIM 2025: Fourth International Slope Stability in Mining Conference, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2535_35



Abstract:
In open pit mining, rapid and reliable slope stability assessments are essential for managing operational risk, particularly in structurally complex settings. This study presents the application of Slide3, a 3D limit equilibrium method software, for back-analysis of two historical slope failures at the Bingham Canyon Mine: the Leo failure (2021) and the Chute failure (2019). The models incorporated geological block model inputs, detailed structural mapping, and site-specific material properties to replicate observed geometries and failure mechanisms. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the effect of applying a pore pressure ratio of 0.1, resulting in an average Factor of Safety (FoS) reduction of 6% in already marginally stable slopes. Comparative analyses using the Janbu, Spencer and generalised limit equilibrium methods returned FoS variations of less than 4%, confirming the robustness of the results. The outcomes demonstrate that Slide3 can accurately capture complex, structurally controlled failure mechanisms when geological structures are explicitly modelled. Integrating Slide3 with real-time monitoring data such as radar, InSAR and GPS offers a proactive framework for early identification of high-risk zones and supports timely geotechnical decision-making in large-scale open pit operations.

Keywords: slope stability, limit equilibrium, geotechnical monitoring, open pit mining, Slide3

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