The Application of AHP Approach to Selection of Optimum Underground Mining Method, Case Study: Jajarm Bauxite Mine (Iran)

Abstract

One of the most critical and complicated steps of designing a mine is a suitable mining method selection based upon geological, geotechnical, geo-graphical and economical parameters. Since there are many factors involved in mining method selection, the decision-making process is so difficult. In this paper, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), with 13 criteria is used to develop a suitable mining method for the Golbini No.8 deposit in Jajarm (Iran). Six alternatives (Conventional Cut & Fill, Mechanized Cut & Fill, Shrinkage Stoping, Sublevel Stoping, Bench mining and Stull Stoping) are evaluated. The studies show that the suitable mining method for this deposit by regarding to the present situation is conventional Cut & Fill method.