<p>This paper presents a column-based framework for three-dimensional (3D) stability analysis of fault-controlled slopes. The framework explicitly incorporates fault geometry into slip-surface construction and stability evaluation, thereby avoiding the idealized geometric assumptions commonly adopted in conventional methods. A composite “fault–rock mass” slip surface is generated by coupling an ellipsoidal surface with fault-plane interpolation, enabling the representation of structurally controlled failure mechanisms. Slope stability is evaluated using a three-dimensional residual thrust method, and a Differential Evolution algorithm is employed to automatically search for the critical slip surface and the minimum factor of safety (Fs). The proposed framework is examined using a verification example and a field-scale case from an open-pit coal mine. For the engineering case, the calculated factor of safety (Fs = 1.013) is consistent with the observed failure pattern, indicating that the proposed framework can reasonably capture the principal structural controls governing slope instability. The method may provide useful support for the stability assessment of structurally controlled slopes in open-pit mining.</p>