Abstract This geotechnical investigation of an open-pit mine slope employed an integrated geophysical framework combining transient electromagnetic (TEM), ambient noise tomography (ANT), and seismic reflection methods to assess critical geological risks. Comprehensive surveys across northern, southern, and western slopes revealed multiple fracture networks and water-saturated zones within Coal Seam 5's roof strata, with the northern and southern slopes demonstrating severe fracturing (> 80% anomaly overlap across methods) and elevated hydraulic activity, contrasting sharply with the structurally stable western slope. Active-source seismic imaging validated the spatial distribution patterns of Coal Seams 5-6, aligning with supplementary exploration data while enhancing geological characterization through quantifiable rock mass indices. The study identified dominant soft rock lithologies with slake durability indices below 40%, exhibiting rapid strength degradation upon water exposure, a critical factor driving slope instability. To address these risks, the methodology prioritizes data-driven interventions: optimizing borehole arrays along geophysically defined high-risk corridors for fracture density calibration, implementing horizontal drainage systems paired with polymer grouting to mitigate water-rock interactions, and deploying real-time monitoring infrastructure integrating fiber-optic strain sensors and InSAR technology. This multi-physics approach demonstrates superior predictive capability in managing water-sensitive stratigraphic hazards compared to conventional single-method strategies, establishing a replicable framework for proactive slope stabilization in similar hydrogeological settings.
Sun et al. (Mon,) studied this question.