Open-source workflow for UAS data processing and 3D slope stability analysis of waste rock piles at a reclaimed mine site

Mine closure involves several measures, one of which is ensuring the stability of waste rock piles through slope stability assessment. Traditionally, such analyses have relied on two-dimensional methods, which have inherent limitations. Advances in computational capacity have enabled broader adoption of three-dimensional (3D) approaches. This article introduces a fully open-source workflow in which a digital elevation model derived from unmanned aircraft system imagery serves as input for 3D stability analysis in Scoops3D. The workflow provided an up-to-date and sitewide view of the stability of waste rock piles at a mine site undergoing closure and identified areas with the highest potential risk. It demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of open-source solutions for cost-effective and scalable geotechnical analyses. Furthermore, the approach is applicable not only in post-mining environments but also for monitoring and stability evaluation during active phases of the mine cycle, offering a practical alternative to proprietary software for risk assessment and decision support.