https://arvinfomedia.com/myjournals/index.php/RDAMST <p><strong>Research Digest: Advances in Mining Science and Technology</strong> is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to publishing high-quality original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and selected high-impact reprints in the domain of mining sciences and technologies. The journal emphasizes studies that provide mechanistic insights, quantitative analyses, and innovative methodologies aimed at advancing both fundamental understanding and applied solutions in mining engineering, mineral processing, and geoengineering. It serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research integrating geosciences, engineering, safety science, environmental studies, and sustainable development to foster the design of efficient, safe, and sustainable mining systems.</p> <p>Published half-yearly, the journal is available in both print and electronic formats, ensuring wide accessibility to the research community.</p> en-US Research Digest: Advances in Mining Science & Technology https://arvinfomedia.com/myjournals/index.php/RDAMST/article/view/457 <p>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 (<em>I</em>_{<em>s</em>(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 <em>I</em>_{<em>s</em>(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.</p> Pierre Sawadogo Samuel Nakolendoussé Tikou Belem Copyright (c) 2026 Research Digest: Advances in Mining Science & Technology 2026-09-24 2026-09-24 1–18 1–18