Design of a multi-criteria decision making model using fuzzy-AHP for selection of appropriate underground metal mining method

Abstract

The aim of the current study is to develop a multi-criteria decision making model using fuzzy-analytical hierarchical process (FAHP) for selection of the appropriate underground metal mining method. The model considered eight criteria for evaluating the seven mining methods. A three-level hierarchical structured model is proposed for decision-making analysis. The criteria, sub-criteria, and the mining methods are listed respectively in the first, second, and third level of the hierarchy. The local and global weights for each parameter were determined using the FAHP method. The global weights of the various mining methods were used to determine the ranking of various mining method for a typical ore deposit. The model validation was done using the ore deposit data of two mines in India. It is observed that the adopted mining methods and the corresponding predicted mining methods are same in both the cases.