Selection of the optimal technology for surface mining by multi-criteria analysis

The selection of optimal technology for surface mining of mineral deposits is a standard decision-making problem. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of the combined AHP and ELECTRE methods in selecting the optimal technology using the open pit coal mine "Ugljevik East" (Ugljevik Istok) as an example. In order to resolve the problems encountered, the three types of technologies were taken into consideration with regards to the eight criteria for selecting the optimal solution. The criteria include the most important aspects of selecting the optimal technologies, such as geology and geotechnical engineering, ecology, economy, etc. In addition, AHP is used to analyse the structure of the technology selection process and to determine the significance and impact of certain criteria in the selection process, while ELECTRE method is used for the final ranking of alternatives. The obtained results indicate that the proposed combined method provides extraordinary results and that it can be used to resolve various, even the most complex problems that occur in mining engineering.