Analysis of Slope Stability in Ion-Adsorption Rare Earth Mine Under In Situ Leaching Condition

Ionic rare earth ores are primarily extracted through in situ shallow well leaching. The leaching solutions engage in a physical–chemical coupling effect with the rare earth ores, which diminishes the strength parameters of weathered ore layers. This reduction in strength leads to a decrease in the stability of the slope and an increased risk of landslides, significantly contributing to instability and damage within rare earth mines. This study employs Geo-Studio 2020 software to analyze the stability of the rare earth mine slope. A seepage field under natural conditions was simulated during dynamic leaching to evaluate the effects of continuous leaching on stress, displacement fields, and slope stability. The results indicate that the safety factor consistently exceeds the requirement of 1.1 throughout the leaching process, suggesting that the studied slope remains overall stable during the leaching and push-water operation stages. However, substantial deformation may occur at the bottom, middle, and upper sections of the slope, particularly in the rare earth ore and at the interfaces between each layer. Damage is predominantly concentrated in the topsoil and the fully weathered granite zone. Over time, the slope safety factor initially decreases before subsequently increasing. Consequently, targeted landslide prevention measures are essential during the mid to late stages of leaching. Based on the analytical results, measures to enhance slope stability have been proposed, providing theoretical guidance for slope management in in situ leaching mining sites for ionic rare earth ores.