Research Article

Risk Assessment of Geological Hazards on Steep Mine Slopes Using the Factor Weighting Method

Zhicheng Chen 1, Chenyuan Chiu 1 * , Changfa Cai 2, Zuorong Dong 1, Zhijie Pan 1, Bin Lai 1, Zhenluo Liu 3
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1 School of Civil Engineering, Jiaying University, Meizhou 514015, China2 Building Materials Guangzhou Engineering Survey Institute Co, Guangzhou 510000, China3 School of Geography and Tourism, JiaYing University, Meizhou 514015* Corresponding Author
International Journal of Environmental Sustainability and Protection, 6(3), September 2026, 18-27, https://doi.org/10.35745/ijesp2026v06.03.0003
Submitted: 20 March 2026, Published: 30 August 2026
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ABSTRACT

 This study focuses on three historically existing steep slopes (the Xintangpo, Wanxin, and Wanshun pits) in the Xintangpo mining area of Hunan Taojian Southern Cement Co., Ltd. In accordance with the “Code for Geological Hazard Risk Assessment” and relevant technical guidelines of Hunan Province, a risk assessment for landslides and rockfalls was conducted using the factor-weighting method, based on field geological surveys at a scale of 1:2000. The total area of the assessment zone is 58.0 hm². The geological environment is classified as moderately complex, the construction project is deemed important, and the assessment level is Grade 1. The current status assessment indicates a small landslide (1.75×10⁴ m³) in the northern part of the Xintangpo pit and a small rockfall (0.3×10⁴ m³) in the southern part of the Wanshun pit, both of which pose low risk. The prediction and assessment comprehensively considered factors such as geotechnical properties, topographic slope conditions, rock stratum dip-angle, human activities, and rainfall. The results show that the landslide probability index N values for each block range from 4.20 to 6.75. Among these, Block A of Xintangpo (15,300 m²) has an N value of 6.75, indicating moderate risk; the N values for the remaining blocks are all less than 6.0, indicating low risk. Factor contribution analysis indicates that topographic slope conditions and the relationship between rock layer dip and slope aspect are the primary controlling factors for landslides, with a combined contribution rate of 52.3%. The comprehensive assessment classifies Block A of Xintangpo as a zone with moderate risk of landslides and rockfalls, while the remaining areas are classified as low-risk zones (total area: 71,800 m²). The evaluation of suitability for construction land indicates that Block A of Xintangpo is generally suitable, and the site as a whole is generally suitable. It is recommended that comprehensive measures, including slope reduction to reduce load, drainage systems, and anti-slide piles, be prioritized for this block.
Keywords: Geohazard risk assessment, steep slopes, factor weighting method, landslides, risk zoning

CITATION (APA)

Chen, Z., Chiu, C., Cai, C., Dong, Z., Pan, Z., Lai, B., & Liu, Z. (2026). Risk Assessment of Geological Hazards on Steep Mine Slopes Using the Factor Weighting Method. International Journal of Environmental Sustainability and Protection, 6(3), 18-27. https://doi.org/10.35745/ijesp2026v06.03.0003

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