Slope Stability Analysis for Optimisation of Overburden Dump in Opencast Coal Mines - A Case Study on Jagannathpur OCP, Chhattisgarh

India's reliance on coal for energy generation has led to extensive opencast mining, posing challenges in overburden (OB) dump stability. This study focuses on optimizing OB dump at steepest possible angle without any possible failure from the stability point of view at the Jagannathpur Opencast Project (OCP) in Chhattisgarh, employing geotechnical analysis and numerical modeling. A total 06 undisturbed OB material from the study area were collected and tested for their shear strength. Geotechnical properties of OB material were determined through field sampling, laboratory tests, and triaxial compression testing, revealing cohesion values (70–89.13 kPa) and friction angles (6°–9.23°). Stability analysis using FLAC/Slope software evaluated 12 different slope profile using varying combination with dump heights of 30m, 60m, and 90m against varying dump slope angles of 27°, 28°, 29⁰ and 30° respectively. Out of these combination, the study optimize that lower bench angles (27°) and moderate dump heights (60m) achieved optimal safety (FOS > 1.17). The study plays the critical role of slope geometry, water management, and regulatory compliance in ensuring stability. The findings provide a framework for safer, efficient OB dump designs, supporting sustainable coal mining operations based on shear strength parameters.