Add Subsurface Geospatial Analytics to Slope Stability Monitoring

In July 2020, a landslide at the Wai Khar open-pit jade mine in Myanmar killed more than 170 people. A post-failure multi-sensor data analysis was conducted to identify the root causes of the catastrophic landslide. Seepage failure causing slope instability was identified as the critical factor.

Why the mine failed was only explained after the catastrophic event. There was no risk assessment or ongoing remote monitoring of the mine site until after the mine site and surrounding environment were damaged and human lives were lost.

Subsurface geospatial analytics could have been instrumental in finding the root cause before the catastrophic failure. The sliding planes, in the subsurface, where the failure originated, were in a critical state and bound to fail. 

We need to spend less time filling in knowledge gaps by reconstructing failures and more time proactively monitoring the unseen subsurface conditions like soil moisture and geological structures that impact slope stability.

Slope Stability Monitoring with MUD® SAR

MUD® SAR is an advanced slope remote monitoring tool that adds subsurface geospatial analytics to slope stability monitoring and surface ground displacement data. It assesses site characteristics that are dynamic and constantly changing such as mining activities, site set up and soil moisture. 

MUD® SAR Artificial intelligence detects underground factors influencing slope failure: bedding planes, voids, shear zones, and fractures. MUD® SAR makes it possible to detect subsurface planes and mechanisms prior to a failure so that proactive remediation efforts can be undertaken.

This facet model shows topple, when subsurface planes of weakness fall (vertical lines), indicating potential slope failure. The horizontal lines display a flat, semi-competent layer in the subsurface.

This image shows subsurface topple (vertical lines) from the opposite side of the slope corridor, 100m away, warning of potential slope failure. The horizontal lines display a flat, semi-competent layer.

This is a cross-section, showing independent drilling results within the slope corridor.

There is a strong correlation between the MUD® SAR Subsurface Facet Model and the drilling cross-section to verify the underground soil composition and the location of potential planes of weakness.

Auracle’s MUD® SAR adds subsurface geospatial intelligence to ground displacement data:

• Understand the impact of unseen water seepage on slope stability

• Delineate a design, construction and operations history for the mine site

• Locate subsurface conditions and infrastructure

• Monitor the risk of underlying geological structures on slope stability

Learn how MUD® SAR satellite remote monitoring can add an early warning system into your slope stability monitoring programs.  

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