In Situ Characterization of Time-Dependent Rock Mass Degradation in an Open-Pit Gold Mine in a Semi-Arid Sahelian Climate: Field Mapping, Physical Testing, and Petrographic Analysis

Abstract

Quantifying time-dependent rock mass degradation is critical for assessing long-term slope stability during open-pit mine closure. This study evaluates the geotechnical evolution of Paleoproterozoic arenites and argillites in the semi-arid Essakane Main Zone (Burkina Faso) over a 0–9-year atmospheric exposure period. Field characterization across 32 sampling stations included density measurements, point load testing (Is(50)), determination of the Geological Strength Index (GSI), and petrographic analysis. The results demonstrate a time-dependent reduction in physico-mechanical properties, modeled with a high correlation (R2 = 0.80–0.99). While density exhibited minor reductions, structural degradation was pronounced; the GSI decreased by 10 points for both lithologies, and Is(50) dropped significantly, particularly in argillites (4.1 to 2.3 MPa) relative to arenites (4.0 to 3.6 MPa). Petrographic evidence indicates negligible chemical weathering and mineral neoformation. Consequently, the degradation was attributed primarily to physical processes, specifically microcracking and discontinuity deterioration driven by thermal cycling and phyllosilicate sensitivity in argillites. These empirical relationships provide essential quantitative input for numerical slope stability modeling in semi-arid mine closure scenarios.