CURRENT STATE OF RESEARCH ON THE GEOMECHANICAL CONDITIONS OF ROCK MASSES DURING THE DEEPENING OF OPEN-PIT MINING OPERATIONS

https://doi.org/10.48498/minmag.2026.258.10.004

The paper assesses the geomechanical conditions affecting the stability of pit slopes and benches in a deep open pit mine using an iron ore deposit in the Kostanay Region of the Republic of Kazakhstan as a case study. Engineering-geological investigations included deep borehole drilling, geophysical surveys, laboratory testing of the physical and mechanical properties of rocks, and in situ investigation of rock mass fracturing. Based on the obtained data, engineering-geological units and design rock mass strength parameters were determined, and the probability of different bench failure mechanisms was evaluated. The results indicate that the least stable conditions occur on the eastern wall of the pit due to the unfavorable orientation of the major joint system relative to the slope.

N. Kerimbayeva, G. M. Zhunis, *D. T. Ivadilinova, A. R. Abdiev