Selection of the optimal technology for surface mining by multi-criteria analysis
Keywords:
Mining, Technology, AHP, ELECTRE, Decision-MakingAbstract
The selection of optimal technology for surface mining of mineral deposits is a standarddecision-making problem. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of thecombined AHP and ELECTRE methods in selecting the optimal technology usingthe open pit coal mine “Ugljevik East” (Ugljevik Istok) as an example. In order toresolve the problems encountered, the three types of technologies were taken intoconsideration with regards to the eight criteria for selecting the optimal solution. Thecriteria include the most important aspects of selecting the optimal technologies, suchas geology and geotechnical engineering, ecology, economy, etc. In addition, AHP isused to analyse the structure of the technology selection process and to determine thesignificance and impact of certain criteria in the selection process, while ELECTREmethod is used for the final ranking of alternatives. The obtained results indicate thatthe proposed combined method provides extraordinary results and that it can be used toresolve various, even the most complex problems that occur in mining engineering.
References
Bufardi, A., Gheorghe, R., Kiritsis, D. & Hirouchakis, P. 2004. Multicriteria decision-aid approach for product end-of-life alternative selection. International Journal of Production Research 42: 3139–3157.
Mergias, I., Moustakas, K., Papadopoulos, A. & Loizidou, M. 2007. Multi-criteria decision aid approach fort he selection of the best compromisemanagement scheme for ELVs: The case of Cyprus. Journal of Hazardous Materials 147: 706–717.
Bitarafan, M. R. & Ataei, M. 2004. Mining method selection by multiple criteria decision making tools. The Journal of The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: 493-498.
Roy, B. 1991. The outranking approach and the foundation of electre methods. Theory Decision 31: 49-73.
Saaty, T. L. 2000. The Analytical Hierarchy Process. McGraw-Hill, New York.
Lee, W. B., Lau, H., Liu, Z. & Tam, S. 2001. A fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach in modular product design. Expert System 18(1): 32-42.