Selection mining methods via multiple criteria decision analysis using TOPSIS and modification of the UBC method

Mahrous Ali Mohamed Ali,Jong-Gwan Kim

doi:10.46873/2300-3960.1054

Abstract

Mine designers often face difficulties in selecting an appropriate mining method; however, such a method should be selected based on ore and rock characteristics. The selection of mining methods can be considered a type of multi-criteria decision making, and this depends on many factors used in the selection process. The general method used in this field is the University of British Columbia (UBC) method, which determines the criteria of the properties that are compared to determine the best and worst of several mining methods. In this paper we used as new technique which define as Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The criteria considered in the UBC method include general shape, ore thickness, ore plunge, and grade distribution, beside the rock quality designation (RQD), and the rock substance strength (RSS). This paper presents an improved TOPSIS method based on experimental design. Additionally, this paper will introduce a modified version of the UBC method that can be employed based on Excel sheet. The best mining methods is cut and fill Stoping and Top slicing with the same rank equal 0.72, and the second-best mining method is Square set Stoping with rank equal 0.65.

Highlights

Ore extraction processes are designed with regard to surface or underground mining methods
The optimal use of underground resources is related to the choice of underground mining methods; many factors are taken into consideration in underground mining method; these include safety, mine planning, ventilation system, reduced maintenance costs, and planning production [1,2]
We are converted the University of British Columbia (UBC) criteria to weight and rate, the weight depends on the properties to mining methods and the rate depends on the real geo-technical geometric, and economic factors related to mine filed investigation, all criteria are presented Tables 2 and 3

Summary

Introduction

Ore extraction processes are designed with regard to surface or underground mining methods. Many conventional methods consider only a limited number of criteria; in the decisionmaking process; there is a need for alternative methods, that can consider all known criteria related to selecting underground mining methods. Mining method selection is not a welldefined process because it involves the interaction of several subjective factors or criteria In this process, several controllable and uncontrollable parameters should be accounted for [6], and they should be determined according to scientific and technical studies for individual ore deposits [7e10]. All criteria indexes from the UBC method will be defined in Excel sheets related to all rock characterizations and mining methods In this regard [14], the use of multi-criterion decision-making overcomes many of the shortcomings of the aforementioned studies [15e19]. They are focused on creating the weight for each criterion, scoring normalization for each criterion and estimating the geometric distance between each alternative and the ideal alternative, to a carried out the best value for each criterion

Site investigation and data collection

Methodology

RSS Ore zone

Conclusion