THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL MODEL FOR MINING METHOD SELECTION IN A FUZZY ENVIRONMENT; CASE STUDY: TAZAREH COAL MINE, SEMNAN PROVINCE, IRAN

Fatemeh Asadi Ooriad,Mehrbod Khoshouei,Mojtaba Yari,Raheb Bagherpour

doi:10.17794/rgn.2018.1.6

Abstract

Mining method selection (MMS) for mineral resources is one of the most significant steps in mining production management. Due to high costs involved and environmental problems, it is usually not possible to change the coal mining method after planning and starting the operation. In most cases, MMS can be considered as an irreversible process. Selecting a method for mining mainly depends on geological, geometrical properties of the resource, environmental impacts of exploration, impacts of hazardous activities and land use management. This paper seeks to develop a novel model for mining method selection in order to achieve a stable production rate and to reduce environmental problems. This novel model is illustrated by implementing for Tazareh coal mine. Given the disadvantages of the previous models for selecting coal mining method, the purpose of this research is modifying the previous models and offering a comprehensive model. In this respect, TOPSIS method is used as a powerful multi attribute decision-making procedure in Fuzzy environment. After implementation of the presented model in Tazareh coal mine, long wall mining method has been selected as the most appropriate mining method.

Highlights

One of the most substantial decisions, for reliable production in mining engineering, is selecting the most appropriate mining method (Namin et al, 2003)
Due to the complexities of geological and geometrical characteristics of mineral resources, one specific mining method cannot be employed for all mineral resources and any mine needs an intelligent model for selecting a mining method
After mining method selection (MMS) and the beginning of extraction using the chosen method, replacement of a method is not usually possible because this replacement is so costly that the entire project would be uneconomical

Summary

Introduction

One of the most substantial decisions, for reliable production in mining engineering, is selecting the most appropriate mining method (Namin et al, 2003). Due to the complexities of geological and geometrical characteristics of mineral resources, one specific mining method cannot be employed for all mineral resources and any mine needs an intelligent model for selecting a mining method. A particular method must be used for a specific resource (Nicholas, 1981). In order to choose the correct mining method, economical, technical and safety parameters should be considered (Namin et al, 2008). By considering similar resources and mining operations in a particular area, a mining method can be selected. This method selection cannot always be correct, because each mineral resource

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