Abstract
The process of creating a geological block model as the basis for a further detailed design and planning of mining operations is a very responsible task. Errors made during this initial process are transferred to all other phases of the mining project. Certainly, one of the most important decisions for the modelling process is the choice of the appropriate size of the blocks that form the model itself. The determination of the optimal block size is not a simple process, because it depends on a large number of affecting factors and criteria. This process can be significantly facilitated by the application of multi-criteria analysis methods, which enable establishment of interdependence between the criteria in order to select the optimal solution. This paper presents the possibilities of applying the Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) method for selecting the optimal block size for the needs of the coal deposit modelling process and mine planning, as well as the way in which this method can significantly facilitate problem solving, by looking at it from several aspects. The analysis included six criteria and four potential solutions, and the results themselves indicated the advantages and disadvantages of the applied method.
Highlights
The assessment of production profitability, project solutions and production development plans greatly depend on the amount of the estimated resources/reserves, so their correct assessment is crucial for the development of mining projects
Given the large number of factors influencing the block size, as well as the influence of the block size on: geological modelling, pit optimization, mine planning, and the overall project’s economy, it can be concluded that choosing the optimal block size is not a simple, straightforward process, and it needs to be solved by considering a large number of interdependent factors
The application of multi-criteria decision-making methods is of great importance, since they enable the reduction of values that are difficult to measure and compare with each other, to common factors
Summary
The assessment of production profitability, project solutions and production development plans greatly depend on the amount of the estimated resources/reserves, so their correct assessment is crucial for the development of mining projects. Given the large number of factors influencing the block size, as well as the influence of the block size on: geological modelling, pit optimization, mine planning, and the overall project’s economy, it can be concluded that choosing the optimal block size is not a simple, straightforward process, and it needs to be solved by considering a large number of interdependent factors. In such cases, the application of multi-criteria decision-making methods is of great importance, since they enable the reduction of values that are difficult to measure and compare with each other, to common factors. Taking into account the analysis of a set of parameters as well as their individual analysis, the AHP method was recognized as the most favorable in this case, and the results and possibilities of applying this method in determining the optimal block size are presented in this paper
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