Contribution of electrical tomography methods in estimating slope stability at Mavropigi Lignite Open Pit Mine, Northern Greece

This case study presents the results of a geophysical survey, where 2D and 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography were employed to evaluate the stability of surface lignite mine's slopes. Specifically, it took place in the Mavropigi lignite open pit mine, Northern Greece, where fracture zones and discontinuities have been recently observed close to the boundaries of the pit, raising concerns about the stability of the pit walls. A geophysical survey was part of an extensive geotechnical investigation program conducted in order to investigate the conditions of the area. Synthetic data were initially generated in order to help plan an efficient electrical tomography survey, in a region with complex geology and irregular terrain. Finally the geophysical survey provided invaluable data regarding the geometry of the bedrock, which was essential for the slope stability calculations.