A NEW APPROACH IN SELECTION OF UNDERGROUND MINING METHOD

1st International Scientific Conference - SGEM2001, www.sgem.org, SGEM2001 Conference Proceedings/ ISBN: 954-918181-2, June 3-9, 2001, 171- 184pp

ABSTRACT

Decision making can be defined as a selection process of the best one among the
alternatives sets in order to obtain goal, and mostly has an uncertain situation. Additionally,
mostly linguistic variables (weak rock, massive ore deposit, etc.) become in question. Mine
planning engineers often use of their intuition and experiences in decision making. As the fuzzy
set theory was carried out since 1970, these uncertainties in question are easily evaluated in
decision making process. Real world study is decision making under vague constraints of
different importance, after using uncertain data (linquistic variables), where compromises
between antagonistic criteria are allowed.
This paper deals with the underground mining method selection, which based on the
fuzzy set theory, for a lignite mine located close to Istanbul-Turkey. The needed physical
parameters such as geologic and geo-technique properties of ore, hanging and foot wall,
economic effects, environmental effects, which are established with field and laboratory tests
together with other uncertain variables were determined. Meanwhile some uncertain variables
dealing with the matter, were described according to the view of some experts. Then the fuzzy
set theory was applied to these parameters set considering the available underground methods in
order to choose the proper method. At the end of the evaluations, the room and pillar method
with filling occurred as more suitable method for the test site.