Analysis of structural plane stability in the Panlong lead–zinc mine, Guangxi, China and its engineering implications

HUANG Xiaopan; WANG Chenghu; YANG Chengwei; LIU Jikun; XIAO Haifan

doi:10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025083

Volume 32 Issue 2

Apr. 2026

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HUANG X P，WANG C H，YANG C W，et al.，xxxx. Analysis of structural plane stability in the Panlong lead–zinc mine, Guangxi, China and its engineering implications[J]. Journal of Geomechanics，x（x）：1−13 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025083

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Analysis of structural plane stability in the Panlong lead–zinc mine, Guangxi, China and its engineering implications

doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025083

HUANG Xiaopan^1
,,
WANG Chenghu^{1
,
,},
YANG Chengwei^1
,,
LIU Jikun^{1, 2
,},
XIAO Haifan^1
,

1.
National Institute of Natural Hazards, Ministry of Emergency Management, Beijing 100085, China
2.
School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China

Funds: This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 42174118).

More Information

Received: 2025-07-08
Revised: 2025-09-07
Accepted: 2025-09-10

Available Online: 2026-03-18

Published: 2026-04-28

Abstract

Abstract

Objective The Panlong lead–zinc mine, an important polymetallic mine in central Guangxi, faces increasing challenges related to high in-situ stress and structurally complex rock masses as mining progresses to greater depths. Instabilities along structural planes have become a major geotechnical hazard. However, current understanding of the interplay between fracture geometry and the stress field remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the stability of structural planes at depth and their implications for safe mine development. Methods High-resolution data on fracture orientation and spacing were obtained through ultrasonic borehole television imaging in boreholes SK1 and SK2. Hydraulic fracturing tests were used to determine the magnitude and orientation of in-situ stresses. Stress tensor transformation and the Coulomb friction criterion were applied to estimate shear and normal stresses on structural planes and to assess their slip tendency under current stress conditions. Results The rock mass in the Panlong mine contains steeply dipping structural planes predominantly oriented NW–NNW and NE–NEE. Cluster analysis revealed three dominant fracture sets, reflecting tectonic control from nearby faults. Furthermore, in-situ stress measurements between 500 and 850 m depth show S_H = 28.29−44.69 MPa, S_h = 19.46−27.09 MPa, and S_v = 14.50−22.68 MPa. The lateral stress coefficients k_H and k_h average 2.07 and 1.28, respectively, indicating a horizontal compressive regime with S_H oriented NW–NNW. Analysis of borehole breakouts and drilling-induced fractures supports the NW–NNW orientation of maximum horizontal stress. Subsequently, a total of 2,948 structural planes were analyzed. Slip tendency evaluation based on slip tendency (T_s = 0.2−0.4) shows that fractures with T_s > 0.20 are primarily distributed at depths less than 550 m. Steeper fracture planes (40°−75°) exhibit a high slip potential, indicating a higher likelihood of shear slip. NW–NNW-oriented planes exhibit both high density and high slip potential, especially when fracture aperture exceeds 10 mm. Conclusion The structural planes in the Panlong mine are characterized by steep dips and strong orientation clustering, primarily NW–NNW and NE–NEE, reflecting significant tectonic control. The in-situ stress regime is governed by horizontal compression, which favors the activation of reverse faults. This aligns with observed fracture development and supports the role of tectonic faults in stress field evolution. NW–NNW-oriented fractures, particularly those with low slip tendency and wide apertures, pose the highest risk for shear reactivation under current conditions and require targeted monitoring and support. Furthermore, structural planes in shallow zones (<550 m) present a higher slip potential than those in deeper zones, emphasizing the need for depth-specific design strategies. [ Significance ] These findings provide a detailed understanding of structural plane behavior under deep mining conditions and offer scientific support for roadway layout optimization, support system design, and hazard mitigation.
- Panlong lead-zinc mine,
- borehole TV,
- hydraulic fracturing,
- rock structural plane,
- stress field,
- structural plane stability

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