Slope stability study of an open pit gold mine project in interior Alaska

The study tasked by Ryan Lode Mines, Inc. involved analysis of pit slope stability for two future pits, Ryan and Curlew. A geological discontinuity survey and groundwater information were obtained through a field program. Twenty core logs containing geotechnical information were used for rock mass classification. The kinematic analysis was performed based on a friction angle (${\Phi}=35^{\circ}$), the distribution of geological structures, and a dry slope condition. Factors of safety of pit slopes in two future mines were determined using the limit equilibrium method. The mine slopes and benches designed by Mine Development Associates (MDA) were analyzed. The analysis indicated that both pits should have an overall safety factor above 1.0, provided the slopes are kept dry. However, slopes in both pits exceeding 91.4 m (300 ft) high will become critical, when water fills the cracks and discontinuities.