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Article history: The main purpose of this paper is to represent a solution to the problem of mining method selection
Received 16 January 2009 (MMS) in mining projects. To this aim, the well-known MMS technique of Nicholas has been modied so
Received in revised form 8 July 2009 that in addition to eliminate its defects, it would be possible for mining engineers to easily assign their
Accepted 5 September 2009
engineering judgments to unsteady and uncertain characteristics of mineral resources. So, in order to
Available online 25 September 2009
resolve the problems of weighting of the Nicholas technique, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) as the
most similar multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) tool to Nicholas technique was applied. Due to
Keywords:
inability of crisp numbers for assigning of decision maker (DM) judgments to ambiguities of mineral
Mining method selection
resources, trapezoidal fuzzy numbers also were used for better modeling of those ambiguities. Moreover,
AHP
Fuzzy sets theory a two-step algorithm containing hierarchical technicaloperational model (HTOM) and also hierarchical
Nicholas technique economical model (HEM), inspired by Nicholas technique, was proposed. These models include some
Optimum prot new criteria which are added to the Nicholas technique. Therefore using fuzzy AHP (FAHP), mining
alternatives are rstly ranked based on HTOM and then, the most protable of those alternatives is
selected by the HEM. As a case study, the north anomaly of Choghart iron mine was used to compare the
proposed approach with the Nicholas technique. The results indicated that the proposed approach
eliminated the problems of Nicholas technique. Proposed approach also introduces a protable mining
alternative to start the mining operations. It should be applied to avoid further feasibility studies in
mining projects.
2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
1568-4946/$ see front matter 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.asoc.2009.09.002
A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061 1041
Table 1
Fundamental scales to pair-wise comparison in AHP [4,49].
Table 2
Average random consistency (RI) [49].
Size of matrix 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Random consistency 0 0 0.58 0.9 1.12 1.24 1.32 1.41 1.45 1.49
Table 3
Weighting procedure of the Nicholas MMS technique: ore geometry attributes [43,44].
Alternatives Criteria
M: massive; T/P: tabular or platy; I: irregular; N: narrow (<10 m); I: intermediate (<1030 m); T: thick (<30100 m); VT: very thick (<100 m); F: at (<208); I: intermediate
(20558); S: steep (>558); U: uniform; G: gradational; E: erratic.
a
Mining methods.
Fig. 2. Fuzzy numbers based on trapezoidal membership of A a=b; g =d which use in fuzzy hierarchy analysis: (a) triangular, (b) more than a to 1, (c) less than d to 1, (d)
between a/1 and g/1, (e) at least a/1, and (f) at most d/1 [11,12].
1042 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
Table 4
Weighting procedure of the Nicholas MMS technique: Ore zone attributes [43,44].
Alternatives Criteria
Wa Ma Sa VCa Ca Wa VWa Wa Ma Sa
Rock substance strengthfracture strength: W: weak (<8); M: moderate (815); S: strong (>15); fracture spacing: VC: very close (020); C: close (2140); W: wide (4170);
VW: very wide (71100).
a
Mining methods.
Table 5
Weighting procedure of the Nicholas MMS technique: Hanging wall attributes [43,44].
Alternatives Criteria
Table 6
Weighting procedure of the Nicholas MMS technique: Footwall attributes[43,44].
Alternatives Criteria
Table 8
HTOM: rst proposed hierarchy model to MMS considering to technical and operational characteristics.
Technically and (B1) Technical (C11) Geometry conditions D1c11 Ore body thickness Intervals of upper and lower face of ore body including layer
operationally most parameters or massive Shape
suitable mining D2c11 Ore body shape General solid shape of ore body
method (A) D3c11 Ore body depth An interval of ground level and upper face of ore body
D4c11 Ore body dip Dip of general shape of ore body
D5c11 Grade distributions Type of minerals distribution in the area. It can be existed in
form of erratic, gradational or uniform.
D6c11 Ore body volume Volume of the overall ore reserve
(C12) Geomechanical D1c12 Ore body RMR Structural and mechanical quality of ore body rock mass
conditions D2c12 Hanging wall RMR Structural and mechanical quality of upper face of ore
bodys rock mass which is surrounded by none
mineralization zone
D3c12 Footwall RMR Structural and mechanical quality of lower face of ore body
rock mass which is surrounded by none mineralization
zone
(C13) Geographical D1c13 Hydrogeology conditions Underground hydrogeology level
conditions D2c13 Climate of area Weather conditions of mine
(B2) Operational (C21) production D1c21 Production rate Rate of ore production per mining sequence
parameters D2c21 Recovery Ability of ore extraction which is remained during mining
operations
D3c21 Development production Production of ore during development works before start of
the project
D4c21 Production per man shift Obtained ore in terms of miner in each work sequence
(C22) Mining operations D1c22 Selective mining Ability of planning several stope in a mine
D2c22 Flexibility Ability of changing a mining method to another similar
methods
D3c22 Dilution Mixture of ore and waste during mining operations
D4c22 Development rate Rate of achieving to ore body since start of the project
D5c22 Mineable reserve Part of overall ore body which can be extracted by method
completely
D6c22 Technology availability Ability of automation and mechanization of method
D7c22 Labor availability Skilled miners and availability of them
(C23) Mining aspects D1c23 Environmental aspects Environmental effects of mining in the area
D2c23 Safety Overall safety aspects of method on miners and spaces
D3c23 Occupational interests Ability of more people in area to be occupied by method
scores was extended [40]. But it did not seem a comprehensive little by little getting near to their purpose which was selecting the
method for all of the mines because it paid an extraordinary optimum mining method, none of them was a suitable and perfect
attention to the stoping methods used in the mines of Canada [7]. solution for selection and representation the optimum mining
In addition, the importances of the criteria were not taken into method. In this way a number of studies were also carried out by
consideration [40]. Although the proposed MMS methods were other researchers emphasizing the underground mining methods
Table 9
HEM: Second proposed hierarchy model with economical criteria to select optimum mining method.
Optimum method (B1) costs (C11) Capital costs Include costs of planned mine development,
selection (A) manufacturers quotations of equipments, quantities and
contractors unit costs for constructions, installations and
other services [45]. Such as land ownership, equipment
purchasing, building communication etc.
(C12) Operating costs Include quantities and unit costs of all components of
supplies and labor [45], such as consumption fuel and
energy, drilling rods, explosive agents, salaries, equipment
requirements and repairs, etc.
(C13) Reclamation/ Include costs of reclamation or rehabilitation of mining area
rehabilitation costs after nishing of the mine life. For example, an open pit
mine cone can be changed into a lake.
(B2) Initial investment It is directly depended on mine development duration.
rate of return Return of initial investment in mining methods which have
shorter development cycle is faster than other methods.
(B3) Income (C14) Income per tone It is different in various mining method due to its variety in
of ore overall mining cost.
(C15) Equipment worth Worth of drilling, loading, transporting and other mining
and its usages equipments and their usability in other mining works.
Usability of underground mining equipments, for example
shearer loaders is in similar condition such as long wall
mining only. Even though an open pit hydraulic excavator
can be employed in other mining or construction works
such as trenching.
1044 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
Fig. 3. 3D view of Western ore body of north anomaly of Choghart iron mine using SURPAC software. Three main mineralization zones, ground level, outcrop of middle ore
body and other visual characteristics are observable [30].
Table 10
Characteristics of western ore body of north anomaly [30].
Thickness 40 m Average value of thickness has been considered. It is various and has a minimum and
maximum value of 10110 m respectively
Depth 0500 m Due to outcrops, upper bound of ore body is begin over ground level (+20)l and is
extended to average 500 m (500) from ground level
Dip 408 An average value of dip is mentioned for overall shape. Ore body 1 has massive general
shape and an approximately dip should be dened for it
Dip direction Az > 3403558 North-Northwest-North Azimuth of general shape of ore body: angle of longest dip line in a inclined layer ore
Ore body RMR 3040% Structural and mechanical quality of ore body rock mass
Walls RMR 3040% Structural and mechanical quality of walls rock mass. In hanging wall layers which are
nearer than ground level, it is close to 30
Shape Massive (more or less) A massive shape is appeared in 3D views of ore body models
Ore grade %26.56gradational It has an erratic position of grade distribution and has been classied in poor grade
category
Ore body volume 40,000,000 m3 It includes three main ore body and other mineralization zones
Table 11
Process of selecting the suitable mining method by the Nicholas technique.
General Ore Ore Grade RSS: FSp: FSt.: RSS: FSp: FSt.: RSS: FSp: FSt.:
shape: thickness: plunge distribution: moderate wide moderate moderate wide moderate moderate wide moderate
massive thick intermediate graduate
Block 4 2 2 2 1 3 3 2 3 2 3 3 3 33
caving (BC)
Sublevel 3 4 1 2 3 4 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 33
caving (SLC)
Cut and 0 0 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 2 2 4 28
ll (C&F)
Open pit 3 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 46
mining (OP)
Sublevel 2 4 1 3 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 27
stoping (SLS)
RSS: rock substance strength; FSp: fracture spacing; FSt: fracture strength.
A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061 1045
Table 13
Table 12 Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of sub-criteria (1) (i.t.o. B1).
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of criteria (i.t.o. A).
B1 C11 C12 C13
A B1 B2
C11 (1/1, 1/1) (5/6, 7/8) (7/8, 9/9)
B1 (1/1, 1/1) (5/6, 7/8) C12 (5/6, 7/8)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)
B2 (5/6, 7/8)1 (1/1, 1/1) C13 (7/8, 9/9)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1)
1046 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
Table 14
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of sub-criteria (1) (i.t.o. B2).
Table 15
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of sub-criteria (2) (i.t.o. C13).
Table 18
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of sub-criteria (2) (i.t.o. C11).
Table 19
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of sub-criteria (2) (i.t.o. C22).
D1c22 (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/1, 1/2)1 (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/2, 3/4)1 (1/1, 2/3)1
D2c22 (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 4/4)1 (2/2, 2/3)1 (4/5, 6/7)1 (4/5, 6/7)1 (1/2, 2/3)1
D3c22 (1/1, 2/2) (2/3, 4/4) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, /2/2) (1/2, 3/4)1 (1/2, 3/3)1 (1/1, 2/3)
D4c22 (1/1, 1/2) (2/2, 2/3) (1/1, /2/2)1 (1/1, 1/1) (3/4, 5/6)1 (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 2/3)1
D5c22 (2/3, 4/5) (4/5, 6/7) (1/2, 3/4) (3/4, 5/6) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3) (3/3, 3/4)
D6c22 (1/2, 3/4) (4/5, 6/7) (1/2, 3/3) (2/3, 4/5) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (3/3, 3/4)
D7c22 (1/1, 2/3) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 2/3) (3/3, 3/4)1 (3/3, 3/4)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 20
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of sub-criteria (2) (i.t.o. C21).
addition, as the method was only limited to the aforementioned coal basin [60]. In 2008, Naghadehi et al., using FAHP, represented a
mine, the selected criteria were insufcient. In 2004, Bitarafan and solution for MMS for a Bauxite mine in Iran. They made use of
Ataei, used fuzzy MCDM in order to resolving MMS problem in the thirteen different criteria [42]. Their study was just carried out for
aforementioned mine. Their method was based on Yager method. underground mining method.
They used fteen criteria which were taken into account, In the above-mentioned literature, shortcomings such as
considering ore geometry, rock quality and its strength [7]. In linguistic and unreliable denitions for criteria, structure of
this study, the ultimate prioritizing of the mining methods was weighting system of some of the methods which are based
only based on technicaloperational considerations, without an on weighting, a lack of fuzzy environment, using insufcient
economical viewpoint. In other words the ultimately selected the technicaloperational criteria, and a subjective view toward some
mining method based on their study might be uneconomical. of the represented solutions led to problems such as inability for
Also in 2004, Xinchun et al. resolved MMS problem by using
FAHP and criteria which were taken into account for a certain
Fig. 8. Trapezoidal fuzzy number of three choice of mining in HEM. Fig. 9. Inuence of sub-criteria on each alternative of HEM.
1048 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
selecting a suitable mining method or selecting a mining number and other types of it. A general type trapezoidal fuzzy
method which did not take economical considerations into number is illustrated in Fig. 1.
account. In addition some of these solutions were designed just The function which represents a grade of membership
for selecting an underground mining method. It is worth for numbers is called membership function. A fuzzy number is
mentioning that in the previous studies, there was not the a special kind of fuzzy set where F fx; mx; x 2 Rg; R : 1
possibility of mathematical modeling of the complicated and < x < 1; mx : R0; 1. So, a trapezoidal fuzzy number is denoted
uncertain concept of MMS. It is therefore obvious that MMS as A a=b; g =d which has a value of membership 0 for x a and
concept which includes a purpose, some criteria, sub-criteria x d, (x a)/(b a) for a x b, 1 for b x g and (d x)/
and alternatives, is a decision making problem, one of the best (d g) for g < x d.
possible solutions of which is using decision making tools. In fact Thus considering Fig. 1, membership value of b and c is 1. If
Nicholas resolved the decision making MMS problem by a 2 (0,1], then alpha cut of A, a fuzzy subset of universal set X,
representing a numerical system which was a simple decision written as A[a], is dened to be the crisp set {xjA(x) a}. This set is
making model just for mining. In his model, the surface and the collection of all x in X whose membership value is at least alpha.
underground mining methods were used as alternatives. It is also In this paper, we named a x value of alpha level cut 0.5 by j. So, in a
worth noting that only in his technique the most protable mining trapezoidal fuzzy number, jL is a crisp value of A(x) which is
method is emphasized. So, in this paper by using the idea dened between value of a, b. A value of jR also represents crisp
presented in Nicholas technique, it has been tried to modify it and value of alpha level cut 0.5 between g, d. Now the fuzzy arithmetic
also to represent a new approach to MMS problem in mines so that can be described as follows. If A a1 ; b1 ; g 1 ; d1 > 0 and zero does
its deciencies such as weighting problems would be eliminated. not belong to the support of B a2 ; b2 ; g 2 ; d2 , the main
As a result, considering the structural similarity between Nicholas arithmetic of two fuzzy numbers denes as below [52]:
technique and hierarchical analysis process, AHP has been used as a a
the framework of proposed method for weighting. Considering the A B aa1 b1 ; aa2 b2 (1)
inability of crisp numbers to assign the viewpoint of DM to
a a
uncertainties existing in mines resources, fuzzy sets theory was A B aa1 b1 ; aa2 b2 (2)
used to compensate for this inability. Two hierarchical models of
" #
HTOM and HEM are therefore developed in order for hierarchical 1 1
analysis. These models are based on technicaloperational and A B aa1 ; aa2 a; a (3)
b1 b2
economical criteria respectively. In HTOM, mining alternatives
which are the same as mining methods are prioritized. The most Considering Eqs. (1)(3) fuzzy addition, subtraction, multi-
protable of them is then selected by HEM. plication and division of two above-mentioned trapezoidal fuzzy
In the following, the fuzzy sets theory and its applications in numbers are dened as follows, respectively [52]:
mining sciences are reviewed. Section 3 describes AHP and its
extensions to fuzzy environment. Section 4 reviews the Nicholas A B a1 a2 =b1 b2 ; c1 c2 =d d2 (4)
methodology in order to know the basic framework of proposed
approach. Section 4.2 explains the proposed approach and its AQB a1 a2 =b1 b2 ; c1 c2 =d d2 (5)
elements. As a case study, applying the Nicholas technique and the
proposed approach to a mineral resource is illustrated in Section 5. A
B a1 a2 =b1 b2 ; c1 c2 =d1 d2 Cm (6)
A comparison study between those two MMS methodology is also
represented in Section 5.3. In Section 6, we discuss about results of
a1 b 1 c 1 d1
case study. Finally, section 7 is dedicated to describe the results of AfB = ; = Cd (7)
d2 c2 b2 a2
this study
1
Reciprocal concept of A also is dened as A 1d = g1 ; b1 = a1
2. Fuzzy sets and fuzzy numbers Cr . We presented results of above-mentioned Eqs. in form which
is used by Buckley. We also use symbol to describe conception model is weighted using the comparison matrices. Then, the
of approximately equal to. So, symbol of / is not division weight of each subsection of alternatives level must be multiplied
sign. It is applied to separate value of a, b and g, d in a trapezoidal by the weight of all subsections of the upper level. Multiplication of
fuzzy number [11,12]. It should be noted that Cm , Cd , Cr are not a the weight of the subsections of each level must be carried out
trapezoidal fuzzy number. Results of them are approximately considering the path depicted from each subsection to the other.
equal to their own real values and graph. Using a a 2 [0, 1] level The nal weight of each alternative is obtained from the addition of
cut for example a = 0.5, lead to the graph of Cm , Cd , Cr be closed to the weights of the subsections of each path.
their own real state and difference between these two state is been So, consistency of matrices should be also checked by DM.
often negligible. Consistency index of hierarchy (CI) is obtained by CI = (lmax n)/
n 1, where n is the matrix size, lmax is a principal eigenvalue of
2.1. Fuzzy sets theory in mining sciences: reasons and applications matrix and always lmax n. Furthermore, a ratio of CI has been
dened to check the judgment consistency as the consistency ratio
Most stages of mining operations deal with geo materials (CR) which is shown in Table 2. The CR is acceptable, if it does less
(rock and soil). These materials usually are anisotropic and than 10%. Otherwise, the comparison matrix is inconsistent and
inhomogeneous. It means that geo materials do not have the same DMs have to redo it to improve. So, judgments should be reviewed
properties in different directions and locations. So, their by DM. Based on consistency theorem of AHP, a pair-wise matrix is
behaviors such as deformability modulus, strength, brittleness, consistent if and only if lmax = n. In term of reciprocal values it is
permeability and discontinuity frequency cannot be realized important to note that if priority of i respect to j be a 2 [1,9], then
precisely [27]. In mine resources, these geo materials (including priority of j respect to i is shown as a1 = 1/a [4,49,50].
ore and waste) also do not have a certain state in their geometric,
geological and mechanical characteristics. Assigning the crisp 3.2. Using AHP in fuzzy environment
numbers to these characteristics will therefore be complicated
and imprecise. In order to model the uncertainty and imprecision As discussed in the previous section, in conventional AHP, DM
in geo materials, it is therefore appropriate to use the fuzzy judgments are carried out using just crisp numbers. Even though
numbers. Although the computing process will be rather huge, the purpose of AHP is to capture the experts knowledge, the
using fuzzy numbers instead of crisp numbers, the uncertain state conventional AHP cannot reect the human thinking style [54]. In
of geo materials will be modeled better. Fuzzy sets theory has a practice, DM encounters much ambiguities and uncertainties in
wide range of application in many parts of mining sciences (see decision making problems. Due to inability of crisp numbers to
[36,22]), such as decision making in mining projects (except in the assign the thinking style and judgment of human being to these
case of applications of fuzzy MCDM tools in MMS problems ambiguities and uncertainties, DM, while using conventional AHP
mentioned in previous section, see also [31]), mineral processing, for assigning their judgments, encounter difculty. In other words,
blasting, rock mechanics, underground mining, tunneling and it is usually the case that DM, by using crisp numbers, cannot
underground spaces studies, mineralogy, reserve evaluating, assign his judgments as accurately as using fuzzy numbers. Using
rock slope stability, acid mine drainage, engineering geology, AHP in fuzzy environment is therefore a suitable solution for the
subsidence in underground mines, etc. [36]. complicated problems of decision making which include ambi-
guity and uncertainty [21,38].
3. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) During the rst years of 1980s, the rst methods of FAHP were
represented [56], while conventional AHP and the rst numerical
Although MCDM tools are applied for resolving a wide range of technique for MMS had been introduced simultaneously [43,50].
engineering problems such as planning, evolution, forecasting, etc., Representation of the different methods of FAHP has been
it is commonly used as a solution for decision making problems continued up to now. The characteristics of these methods are
[23,48]. In other words, in order to nd out the most suitable briey described in Table 58 in Appendix A. Some of the recent
alternative from among a number of possible ones, MCDM studies have revealed the applications of FAHP [18,29,32,34,51,55].
is applied based on a number of criteria. This selecting process Moreover, several researchers have also been discussed about the
is carried out in different forms such as outranking, prioritizing fundamental concepts of FAHP [20,35,57,58,63].
and distance from ideal solution [23].
3.3. Buckleys FAHP method
3.1. Decision making using AHP
In case of weighting process, we describe the geometric mean
In 1998, Saaty introduced AHP as one of the MCDM tools. Using method of conventional AHP to develop it into fuzzy environment.
AHP, DM is able to prioritize and select an alternative among a Suppose a comparison matrix with crisp elements [A] as below
number of possible ones based on his experience and knowledge [50]:
[50]. For this purpose, in order to construct a hierarchical model 2 3
which includes three main levels of target, criteria and alternatives, a1;1 a1;2 a1;m
6 a2;1 a2;2 a2;m 7
DM can compare the subsections of each level to those of the upper 6 7
A6 . .. .. .. 7 (8)
level. In case of existing a sub-criteria level in the hierarchical 4 .. . . . 5
model, each one of those sub-criteria will be compared to each am;1 am;2 am;m
other, based on that criterion from which the sub-criteria are
Geometric mean of each row calculates by Zi where:
derived. In such a case, the alternatives are compared to each other
based on each subsection of the sub-criteria level located on the 0 11=m
upper level. The process of comparison is based on construction a Y
m
ri @ ai j A (9)
comparison pair-wise matrix (n n) for each level, n being the j1
number of subsections. Crisp numbers represented in Table 1 must
be used to allocate the amount of importance of each subsection of Now crisp weight of element i is obtained by (10):
a hierarchical level to the other subsections of the same level. After
weighting process, the subsection of each level of the hierarchical wi r i r 1 r 2 r m 1 (10)
1050 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
Table 21
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D1c11 ).
Table 22
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D2c11 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 3/3)1 (2/3, 3/4)1 (3/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 2/3)1
SLC (1/2, 3/3) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (2/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 2/3)
C&F (2/3, 3/4) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 2/3)
OP (3/3, 4/5) (2/2, 2/3) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (3/3, 4/5)
SLS (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (3/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 23
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D4c11 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/3, 4/5)1 (2/2, 3/4)
SLC (1/1, 1/2) (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 5/6)1 (1/1, 2/3)
C&F (1/2, 2/3) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (4/4, 5/6)
OP (3/3, 4/5) (3/4, 5/6) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (5/6, 7/7)
SLS (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (4/4, 5/6)1 (5/6, 7/7)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 24
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D3c11 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 3/4) (3/3, 4/5) (1/2, 3/4)1 (3/4, 4/5)
SLC (2/3, 3/4)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3) (5/6, 7/7)1 (1/1, 2/3)
C&F (3/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (7/8, 8/9)1 (1/1, 2/2)
OP (1/2, 3/4) (5/6, 7/7) (7/8, 8/9) (1/1, 1/1) (7/8, 9/9)
SLS (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 2/2)1 (7/8, 9/9)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 25
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D5c11 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/3, 3/3) (3/4, 4/5) (1/1, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/4)
SLC (1/3, 3/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/2) (5/6, 6/7)1 (1/1, 1/2)
C&F (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/1, 1/1) (5/6, 7/8)1 (1/1, 2/3)
OP (1/1, 2/3) (5/6, 6/7) (5/6, 7/8) (1/1, 1/1) (5/6, 7/7)
SLS (3/4, 4/4)1 (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (5/6, 7/7)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 26
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D6c11 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (3/4, 5/6) (5/6, 6/6) (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 5/6)
SLC (3/4, 5/6)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3) (4/5, 6/6)1 (1/1, 1/2)1
C&F (5/6, 6/6)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (6/7, 7/8)1 (1/1, 2/3)1
OP (1/2, 2/3) (5/6, 6/6) (6/7, 7/8) (1/1, 1/1) (5/6, 6/6)
SLS (3/4, 5/6)1 (1/1, 1/2) (1/1, 2/3) (7/7, 8/8)1 (1/1, 1/1)
If A is consistent then geometric mean method always produces fuzzy trapezoidal number in the gure of (a/b, g/d) where
equal weights as Saatys lmax method and so, if m = 3 then both 0 a b g d 2 S. Because of their easiness intuition and
methods compute equal weights. For m > 3 results of these two various interpretations in practice, it is easy to construct a fuzzy
methods are close to each other [12]. comparison matrix by fuzzy numbers. But priorities of DM should
Now, we describe how to develop aforementioned method into be represented as a positive reciprocal matrix. A matrix (m m)
fuzzy environment by Buckleys method. Buckley represented a whose entries are ratios a ji a1
i j is called positive reciprocal
A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061 1051
Table 27
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D1c12 ).
Table 28
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D2c12 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 1/2)1 (2/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (2/3, 3/4)1
SLC (1/1, 1/2) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/2, 3/4)1
C&F (2/2, 2/3) (2/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/1, 1/2)
OP (3/4, 4/5) (3/4, 4/5) (2/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 3/3)
SLS (2/3, 3/4) (1/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/2)1 (2/2, 3/3)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 29
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D3c12 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/1, 2/3) (6/7, 8/9)1 (2/2, 2/3)1
SLC (1/1, 1/2) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 2/3) (6/7, 7/8)1 (1/2, 3/4)1
C&F (1/1, 2/3)1 (2/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (7/7, 8/9)1 (1/2, 2/3)1
OP (6/7, 8/9) (6/7, 8/9) (7/7, 8/9) (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 4/5)
SLS (2/2, 2/3) (1/2, 3/4) (1/2, 2/3) (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 30
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D2c13 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/2) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/2) (1/1, 1/2)
SLC (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/2) (1/1, 2/2) (1/1, 2/2)
C&F (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/2)1
OP (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1
SLS (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/1, 1/2) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1)
Table 31
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D1c13 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3) (3/4, 4/5) (1/2, 3/4)1 (2/3, 4/5)
SLC (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3) (4/4, 5/6)1 (1/2, 3/4)
C&F (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (7/8, 8/8)1 (1/1, 1/2)1
OP (1/2, 3/4) (4/4, 5/6) (7/8, 8/8) (1/1, 1/1) (7/8, 8/9)
SLS (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/2, 3/4)1 (1/1, 1/2) (7/8, 8/9)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 32
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D1c21 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3) (4/5, 5/5) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/2, 2/3)
SLC (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 3/4) (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/2)
C&F (4/5, 5/5)1 (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/1, 1/1) (4/5, 6/7)1 (2/2, 3/4)1
OP (1/1, 2/3) (2/3, 4/5) (4/5, 6/7) (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 4/5)
SLS (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/2)1 (2/2, 3/4) (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1)
matrix [11]. Therefore DMs can employ all eight types of them priority of element ith to jth is approximately for b = g equal to 1.
to express their judgments easily. Except for real number So, a = b and g = d explain importance between a = b to 1 and g = d
a = b = g = d, and also for a normal shape of trapezoidal number to 1. Importance least a to 1 is explaining a priority number
which has been shown in Fig. 1, other six types of fuzzy hierarchy which is a = b = g. Otherwise a normal form of trapezoidal fuzzy
numbers is shown in Fig. 2. In fuzzy hierarchy analysis, when b = g, number is present as (a/b, g/d) which is explaining importance of b
a triangular shape of fuzzy numbers is formed. It means that to 1 and g to 1.
1052 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
Denition. Let A ai j is a fuzzy positive reciprocal matrix. Now A each row of A ai j , then it is dened as below:
is consistent if and only if aik
ak j
ai j [12]. ri ai;1
ai;2
ai;m 1=m (12)
It means that product of multiplication of aik and ak j is
approximately equal to ai j . If A is not consistent, then fuzzy Also, considering (10), fuzzy weight wi is:
judgments should be reviewed and improved by DM. It should be wi ri
r1 r2 rm 1 (13)
noted that improving the consistency means that ratio estimates in
matrix are closer to being logically related than to being randomly For 0 y 1, fi(y) and gi(y) are dened as left and right sides of
chosen. ai j to determine the membership function of wi where:
2 31/m
Theorem 1. Let A ai j where ai j ai j =bi j ; g i j =di j and let bi j Y
m
closed to bi j ; g i j , then it is consistent. For example 1=2 2 = 3=5; 1, ai is dened as ai 4 ai j 5 so, a will be obtained by combination
of all ai as below: j1
but since 1/2 is reasonably closed to 3/5, we can conclude that
aik ak j is reasonably close to ai j . Thus A is reasonably consistent X
m
[11]. In the following, Buckleys method has been described as a a ai (16)
i1
FAHP prescription in three steps.
In similar way, bi and b, gi and g, di and d will be dened. Finally,
Step 1: After constructing a hierarchy model of problem, in this X
m X
m
situation, fuzzy comparison matrix should be represented by let f y f i y, gy g i y. So, wi will be obtained as
DM via trapezoidal fuzzy numbers as elements of fuzzy positive i1 i1
Table 33
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D2c21 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 1/2) (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/2, 2/3)
SLC (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 3/4)1 (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/2, 2/3)
C&F (1/2, 2/3) (1/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (2/3, 4/4)
OP (1/2, 2/3) (2/2, 3/4) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (3/4, 4/4)
SLS (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/2, 2/3)1 (2/3, 4/4)1 (3/4, 4/4)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 34
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives(i.t.o. D3c21 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/2, 2/3) (4/4, 5/6)1 (3/4, 4/4)1
SLC (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (3/3, 4/4) (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/2, 2/3)1
C&F (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/4)1 (1/1, 1/1) (6/7, 8/9)1 (6/6, 7/7)1
OP (4/4, 5/6) (2/2, 3/4) (6/7, 8/9) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)
SLS (3/4, 4/4) (1/2, 2/3) (6/6, 7/7) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 35
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D4c21 ).
Considering (18), graph mwi can be drawn from zero to the left 4.2. Proposed approach
1 f i y 1 1
of aid ,x g i y on the interval ai d ; bi g with a horizontal line
The shortcomings of Nicholas technique are due mainly to the
1 1 g i y 1
from bi g ; 1 to g i b ; 1, x f i y
on the interval g i b ; di a1 , lack of a perfect methodology for weighting. In other words his
and zero to the right of di a1 [12]. We strongly remind that / technique is not able to obtain the weight of each mining method
symbol is not division sign. based on inconsistency ratio of assigned scores. So in proposed
Step 3: As before, using combination of obtained weights approach, by replacing Buckleys FAHP with the simple weighting
corresponding to their own path in hierarchy model, a fuzzy system of Nicholas, the mentioned shortcoming has been
nal weight Wi should be calculated considering to (19): eliminated.
Another defect of his technique is a lack of inuential and
X
m
Wi w j ri j (19) important criteria in MMS process. It has been tried to modify and
j1 complete the criteria used in Nicholas technique so that the mining
alternatives be prioritized based on important technicalopera-
w j , ri j is weight of each alternatives and attributes respectively. tional criteria. For this aim the hierarchical model of HTOM has
So, centroid defuzzication method is preferred to represent the been devised. This model is represented in Table 8. HTOM is a
obtained nal fuzzy weights in form of the crisp numbers by completed version of Tables 36 related to Nicholas technique.
Eqs. (20) [52]. HTOM has two main technical and operational criteria. Each one of
R
xmAi xdx these criteria includes three sub-criteria, each of which is
X R (20) subdivided to smaller elements. By using HTOM, DM is able to
mAi xdx
consider the mining methods as hierarchical analysis alternatives
and to compare them with each other in order to prioritize and
4. MMS procedure select the top three alternatives.
After prioritizing the mentioned alternatives, three mining
4.1. A review of MMS technique of Nicholas alternatives which have the most technicaloperational weight
must be considered as the alternatives of the second hierarchical
Nicholas technique is a simple decision making tool which is model of HEM which is constructed based on economical criteria.
only used in order to select the mining method. This technique In HEM, these three mining alternatives are compared to each
enjoys a simple weighting system, so the way of its application is other again and the most protable of them is nally selected as
not complicated. In addition, in order to assign the scores to mining the suitable method from both technicaloperational and eco-
alternatives, it uses a small range of crisp numbers. In this nomical points of view. HEM is divided into three criteria: costs,
technique thirteen mining parameters are taken into account as initial investment rate of return, and incomes. These criteria,
criteria. Each mining method is weighted based on these criteria except for the second one, include sub-criteria. HEM is shown in
each of which having some sub-criteria, so that based on each sub Table 9. Criteria and sub-criteria related to HTOM and HEM are
criterion, scoring is assigned for each mining method. The ultimate considered based on engineering experiences and feasibility
weight of each mining method is obtained by adding those scores. studies carried out for different mining methods in different
In this way, all of the mining methods are prioritized .in this mines. It must be noted that in compensatory MCDM methods
technique the numbers of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 49 are used in order to such as AHP [37] poor score of a number of criteria can be
weight. Thus the importance of a mining method for a certain compensated by high score in the other criteria. It may be
criterion is indicated by numbers 3 and/or 4. The numbers of 1 and mitigated the effect of poor criteria in total weight of an alternative
2 indicate that the related mining method is probably suitable [28]. So, two separate hierarchical models of HTOM and HEM have
based on related criteria. In the case of number 0, a mining method been constructed. In other words, the two models are considered
is not rejected but it means that the related method is not separately in order to prevent the poor weights of some of the
applicable for that certain criterion. The most weight which may be alternatives in HEM from being compensated by strong weights of
obtained by a mining method is +48. The score of 49 is therefore the same alternatives in HTOM. In this way, after being veried
used in order to reject a mining method which cannot be used for a both technicaloperationally and economically, the optimum
specic condition of resource so that, the method would not have alternative can be ultimately selected.
any chance for being selected [43]. It should be noted that by combining the two models, a trade off
The equality of importance for criteria led to representation of may be occurred between economical and technicaloperational
the modied version of Nicholas technique by him. In his modied criteria.
technique, three groups of weighting factors are used for ore The mining method which is not suitable from a technical
geometry, ore zone, hanging wall and foot wall. There were yet operational viewpoint denitely will not be protable. In other
essential problems with Nicholas technique [44]. These problems words, a mining engineer will not investigate a mining method
will be cleared in Section 5 by resolving a numerical problem. from an economical viewpoint unless he has found it suitable from
In Nicholas technique, mining methods are prioritized. The rst a technicaloperational point of view. For this reason, inspired by
three of them are considered suitable from a technicaloperational Nicholas technique, HEM is considered separately.
viewpoint. Since the applied criteria in Nicholas technique are of
technical type, the outcome of his technique will be mining methods 5. Case study: Western ore body of North anomaly of
which are prioritized based on technical criteria. But it is worth Choghart iron mine
noting that the costs of these methods are different from each other
in practice. After prioritizing, the rst three mining methods must In order to compare the results of the proposed approach with
also be investigated from an economical viewpoint. Finally, the most those of Nicholas technique, and investigate them, Western ore
economical mining method is selected as the most applicable and body of North anomaly of Choghart iron mine for which no mining
protable [44]. As a result unlike the previously introduced method has already been selected, is considered as a case study.
approaches, Nicholas technique is able to introduce just a unique This resource is located in 10 km at North West of Choghart mine in
mining method as the most practical and economical. A summary of central province of Yazd, Iran [30]. The model of this mineral
MMS process using Nicholas technique is represented in Tables 37. resource and its situation related to ground level is shown in Fig. 3.
1054 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
Table 36
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D1c22 ).
Table 37
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D2c22 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 3/4)1 (5/6, 6/6)1 (5/6, 6/7)1 (1/1, 2/2)1
SLC (2/3, 3/4) (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/2, 3/3)
C&F (5/6, 6/6) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 3/3)1 (6/6, 6/7)
OP (5/6, 6/7) (2/2, 3/4) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (6/6, 7/7)
SLS (1/1, 2/2) (1/2, 3/3)1 (6/6, 6/7)1 (6/6, 7/7)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 38
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D3c22 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (5/6, 6//7)1 (3/4, 5/6)1 (2/2, 3/4)1
SLC (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/2, 2/2)1 (1/1, 2/2)1
C&F (5/6, 6//7) (2/3, 4/4) (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3) (2/2, 2/3)
OP (3/4, 5/6) (1/2, 2/2) (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)
SLS (2/2, 3/4) (1/1, 2/2) (2/2, 2/3)1 (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 39
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D4c22 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 3/4)1 (5/6, 6/7)1 (6/6, 6/7)1 (2/3, 4/5)1
SLC (2/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 2/2)
C&F (5/6, 6/7) (1/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/2, 3/3)
OP (6/6, 6/7) (2/3, 4/5) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 4/5)
SLS (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/2, 3/3)1 (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 40
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D5c22 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/4)1 (5/6, 6/7)1 (1/1, 2/3)1
SLC (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 2/3)1 (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/2, 2/3)
C&F (3/4, 4/4) (2/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)
OP (5/6, 6/7) (2/3, 4/5) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (3/4, 5/5)
SLS (2/3, 3/4) (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 41
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D6c22 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/4)1 (5/6, 6/7)1 (1/1, 2/3)1
SLC (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 2/3)-1 (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/2, 2/3)
C&F (3/4, 4/4) (2/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)
OP (5/6, 6/7) (2/3, 4/5) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (3/4, 5/5)
SLS (2/3, 3/4) (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Its other features are represented in Table 10. As shown in Fig. 3, thickness is steady. Its slope varies from 458 to 808. Its thickness also
the resource has three mineralized zones which are nominated by varies from 20 m to 60 m. In this regard, geometrical and also
ore bodies 1, 2 and 3. Many problems resulted from uncertainty and geological characteristics of all mineral resources around the world
ambiguity in geometrical characteristics of all three ore bodies can are nearly similar to each other. Assigning a certain crisp number to
be observed. For example, as shown in Table 10 and Fig. 3, for ore slope, thickness, etc. of a mineral resource is therefore a futile task.
body No. 1, no steady slope can be observed. Neither its slope nor its This indicates the ambiguous and unsteady nature of mineral
A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061 1055
Table 42
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D7c22 ).
Table 43
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D1c23 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (5/5, 6/6)1 (1/1, 2/2) (1/2, 2/2)1
SLC (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (3/3, 4/5)1 (1/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/2)1
C&F (5/5, 6/6) (3/3, 4/5) (1/1, 1/1) (5/6, 6/7) (2/2, 3/4)
OP (1/1, 2/2)1 (1/2, 3/4)1 (5/6, 6/7)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 3/3)1
SLS (1/2, 2/2) (1/1, 1/2) (2/2, 3/4)1 (1/2, 3/3) (1/1, 1/1)
Table 44
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D2c23 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 3/3)1 (4/5, 6/7)1 (5/6, 6/6)1 (1/2, 3/4)1
SLC (1/2, 3/3) (1/1, 1/1) (2/2, 3/4)1 (2/3, 3/4)1 (1/1, 1/2)
C&F (4/5, 6/7) (2/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/2, 2/3)
OP (5/6, 6/6) (2/3, 3/4) (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 3/4)
SLS (1/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/2, 2/3)1 (2/3, 3/4)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 45
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. D3c23 ).
BC (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/2)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (7/8, 8/8)1 (1/2, 2/2)1
SLC (1/2, 2/2) (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/2)
C&F (3/4, 4/5) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 2/3)1 (1/2, 2/3)
OP (7/8, 8/8) (3/4, 4/5) (1/2, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (3/4, 4/5)
SLS (1/2, 2/2) (1/1, 1/2)1 (1/2, 2/3)1 (3/4, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1)
Table 46
Final weights of HTOM alternatives in form of fuzzy and crisp values. Three more suitable methods which are attained more weight has been considered for HEM.
Alternatives Final fuzzy weights based a level cut0.5 Crisp results (X*)
on technical and operational
conditions w a < jL < b g < jR < d
BC H (0.04/0.12, 0.37/1.08) 0.08 0.66 0.44
SLC (0.02/0.06, 0.19/0.61) 0.04 0.36 0.24
C&F H (0.02/0.06, 0.22/0.66) 0.04 0.39 0.26
OP H (0.09/0.26, 0.79/2.14) 0.16 1.35 0.88
SLS (0.01/0.05, 0.16/0.48) 0.03 0.29 0.19
Table 47 Table 48
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of criteria (i.t.o. A). Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of sub-criteria (i.t.o. B1).
B1 (1/1, 1/1) (2/3, 4/5) (1/1, 2/3) C11 (1/1, 1/1) (1/1, 2/3)1 (5/6, 7/8)
B2 (2/3, 4/5)1 (1/1, 1/1) (1/2, 3/4)1 C12 (1/1, 2/3) (1/1, 1/1) (7/8, 9/9)
B3 (1/1, 2/3)1 (1/2, 3/4) (1/1, 1/1) C13 (5/6, 7/8)1 (7/8, 9/9)1 (1/1, 1/1)
resources. It is obvious that it is much more accurate to specify these Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization
characteristics by fuzzy numbers than by crisp numbers. (IMIDRO) which all iron mines in Iran are supported by it. This
Mining companies know the importance of MMS problem to paper also has been carried out by support of IMIDRO Co. to nd
start up the mining operations. They use the approaches which are out a solution to start the mining operations in North anomaly of
introduced to modify the MMS problem, because it would be so Choghart iron mine in Iran. No mining method is applied for this
protable for a mining company if its mining projects be started by anomaly yet, and result of proposed approach in this study is
a perfect MMS procedure. One of them is the Iranian Mines and applicable for IMIDRO Co.
1056 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
Table 49 Table 51
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. B2). Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. C12).
Table 50 Table 52
Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. C11). Fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrix of alternatives (i.t.o. C13).
5.1. Resolving the problem by Nicholas technique deffuzication of nal fuzzy weight for BC mining alternative
based on Eq. (20). The nal crisp weights of other mining
As mentioned earlier, in Nicholas technique, a weight is alternatives have been calculated similarly.
assigned to each mining method considering the scores used for R 0:12 x0:04 R 0:37 R 1:08 1:08x
0:04 0:08 xdx 0:12 1xdx 0:37 0:71 xdx
different condition of mineral resources, and by adding up these XTOHM BC
R 0:12 x0:04 R 0:37 R 1:08 1:08x
weights, the ultimate weight of that mining method is obtained. 0:04 0:08 dx 0:32 1dx 0:37 0:71 dx
These scores are shown in Tables 46. For example, the average 0:44
thickness of north anomaly, as shown in Table 10, is 40 m. So, as
shown in Table 4, the score of 2 is allocated to block caving (BC) Graph of nal fuzzy weight for mining alternatives and the bar
mining method. Because the thickness of 40 m is located between graph indicating the amount of inuence of each of the sub-criteria
30 m to 100 m in Table 4 of Nicholas. With this explanation, other on the nal weight of each mining method are shown in Figs. 5 and
mining methods are similarly weighted. The obtained weights are 6 respectively.
summarized in Table 11 for ve different mining methods. Considering Table 46, from a technicaloperational view point,
By adding up the related scores, the ultimate weights of 33, 33, mining alternatives of OP, BC and C&F has obtained the three most
28, 46 and 27 are obtained for mining methods of block caving (BC), weights respectively. Using HEM, these three alternatives must
sub-level caving (SLC), cut and ll (C&F), open pit (OP) and sub- also be compared to each other from an economical view point.
level stoping (SLS), respectively. The results of Nicholas technique For this purpose, as the second hierarchical model, HEM and
indicate that OP is the most suitable mining method for three mentioned mining alternatives are shown in Fig. 7.
exploitation of North anomaly of Choghart mine. Like HTOM, fuzzy comparison matrices of HEM are represented
in Tables 4755.
5.2. Resolving the problem using the proposed approach
5.2.2. Results of HEM
As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, based on the concept of hierarchical Local fuzzy and crisp weights of criteria and mining alternatives
analysis shown in Tables 8 and 9, the hierarchical models of HEM have been calculated like HTOM. The nal fuzzy and crisp weights
and HTOM are constructed for resolving MMS problem in North of mining alternatives are also represented in Table 56. As shown in
anomaly of Choghart. Like Nicholas technique, here ve mining Table 56, OP is found as the most protable mining alternative
methods including BC, SLC, C&F, OP and SLS are considered as which is the most suitable alternative for mining of north anomaly
alternatives of HTOM model, so that three mining methods with of Choghart mine.
the most weight, as the alternatives of HEM model, are further Graph of nal fuzzy weight for mining alternatives and the
investigated economically. inuence of each sub-criteria of HEM on the nal weight of mining
Now, considering HTOM model, the fuzzy comparison matrices alternatives are also shown in Figs. 8 and 9.
must be constructed based on the engineering judgments of DM The process of selecting the most suitable mining method using
and according to Bukleys FAHP method. These judgments are proposed approach is summarized in Fig. 10 schematically. This
represented in the form of fuzzy comparison matrices in Tables gure indicates the introduction of OP for starting mining of North
1245. anomaly of Choghart mine. It is the most suitable mining method,
Using a computer program, the local fuzzy weights of each technicaloperationally as well as economically.
criterion, sub-criterion and mining alternative of HTOM model is
obtained. Their local crisp weights are also obtained using Eq. (20). 5.2.3. Calculation of the inconsistency ratio of fuzzy comparison
matrices
5.2.1. Results of HTOM Consistency ratio of comparison matrices has been checked by
Up to now, the ve mentioned mining methods are prioritized conception of Theorem 1. According to Theorem 1 we know
using HTOM. As the multiplication of trapezoidal fuzzy numbers by bi j ; g i j bik ; g ik :bk j ; g k j .
each other will not equal a trapezoidal fuzzy number, a level-cut of For example, considering Table 14 we have b13 ; g 13
0.5 is used in order to depict the fuzzy nal weight graph. Value b12 ; g 12 b23 ; g 23 ) 6; 7 3; 4 2; 3 ) 6; 7 6; 12 for
corresponding to membership function of 0.5 on the right side and i; j; k 1; 3; 2 respectively. Then, it is perfectly consistent. Another
left side of each trapezoidal graph is shown by jL, jR respectively. example is about Table 49 of HEM where we have
The results of nal fuzzy and crisp weights and also the value of b32 ; g 32 b31 ; g 31 b12 ; g 12 ) 3; 4 7; 8 13;
1
jL, jR for each mining alternatives is represented in Table 46. 2 ) 3; 4 2:33; 4. It is also perfectly consistent for i; j; k 3; 2; 1.
As an example, the way of calculation of nal crisp weight for BC In Table 36, for i; j; k 1; 5; 4, we have 12; 1 4; 5 16; 16 )
mining alternative is as follows. This crisp weight is obtained from 0:5; 1 6 0:66; 0:83 which is not consistent perfectly but it
A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061 1057
Table 56
Final fuzzy and crisp weights of three suitable mining method using HEM to select the optimum MMS. OP mining method is introduced as optimum mining method for
western part of north anomaly of Choghart iron mine.
Alternatives Final fuzzy weights based a level cut Crisp results (X*)
on economical conditions w
a < jL < b g < jR < d
BC (0.05/0.15, 0.49/1.36) 0.09 0.86 0.55
C&F (0.05/0.13, 0.43/1.23) 0.08 0.76 0.50
OP H (0.12/0.28, 0.84/1.99) 0.19 1.35 0.85
Table 57
Results Nicholas technique and proposed approach.
Mining methods Final weight Ranking results Mining Final weight Ranking results
methods
TOHM EHM TOHM EHM Total
OP 46 1 OP 0.88 0.85 1 1 1
BC 33 2 BC 0.44 0.55 2 2 2
SLC 33 2 C&F 0.26 0.50 3 3 3
C&F 28 3 SLC 0.24 4
SLS 27 4 SLS 0.19 5
1058 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
numbers merely
numbers merely
technique were based on the amount of their importance and
fuzzy number
applicability, regarding the conditions of that time. But scoring
Deciencies
should not be dependent on time. It must be usable by DM at any
time. All of these reasons indicate that DM cannot rely on the
results obtained from Nicholas technique. In the proposed
approach, by using FAHP, all of the mentioned problems have
been nearly eliminated, so that it is possible for DM to allocate his
number 9 accurately
All of the resources having an outcrop, or having a negligible
relatively low
amount of overburden, the weight of sub-criteria of depth for some
environment
Advantages
operations
of the mining alternatives increase greatly. OP is one of these
alternatives. The existence of the outcrop on the ground level
suggests a depth of zero for the resources. The importance of this
matter for OP method is that the depth of zero causes a great
decrease in the stripping ratio. As a result, the cost of stripping and
development of the mine for OP alternative will be much less, in
attributes weights
leads to an increase of the weight of sub-criteria of D4c22 , D3c21 and
D1c21 . Because of the exceptional conditions posed by the existence
comparison
estimates
criterion
alternative in most criteria and sub-criteria will obtain a greater
Issue
7. Conclusions
1985
1989
1994
1996
Year
Cheng [16]
Chang [15]
Cheng [17] 1996 It was proposed based on the grade Representation of new algorithm which It was presented to improve AHP and to Entropy is used when probability
value of membership function using is used the experience of expert to smooth evaluation process distribution is known [13]
triangular fuzzy numbers represent judgmental object.
Aggregate weights is calculated by It is exible, thoughtfulness and The method is based on both
entropy concepts efciency for DMs probability and possibility measures
[13]
It was introduced fuzzy standard which The computational requirement is not
is membership function of judgment tremendous
Xu [61] 2000 It was applied last square priority It was proposed to Estimate the weights The numerical difculties can be It may not be to give vague judgments
method in fuzzy environment of factors from fuzzy judgment avoided in fuzzy matrices because it when comparing the relative
matrices correspond to the classical yields an analytic expression for the signicance of two factors
Last square priority method fuzzy weights
Csutora and Buckley [19] 2001 It was the fuzzication version of Less fuzziness of nal fuzzy weights is It is easy to use computationally Less fuzziness issue is not always
Saatys lmax method the methods issue applicable for all fuzzy weights
Can be handle for any type of fuzzy
numbers
Mikhailov [39] 2003 Fuzzy preference programming Deriving optimum crisp priorities from It does not need to construct reciprocal The mathematical complexity involved
method was developed by proposed fuzzy pair-wise comparison matrices may restrict its practicability [38]
approach
It can be applied for group decision Priorities can be derived from an It automatically guarantees the
making incomplete set of fuzzy judgments satisfaction of fuzzy condition of order
using a-cuts preferences at each level, if the interval
judgments with regards to each a-cut
level are consistent [5,14]
It can employ specic forms of fuzzy
sets and does not require a nal ranking
procedure to compare the fuzzy scores
Wang et al. [59]. 2006 It was modied fuzzy LLSM wich was Elimination drawbacks of conventional It can derive normalized triangular It is proposed to use by triangular fuzzy
proposed by Van Laarhoven and LLSM method of Van Laarhoven and fuzzy weights from complete or numbers
Pedrycz Pedrycz and Boender et al. incomplete comparison matrices.
LLSM was formulated as a constrained It is able to solve the complex MCDM
nonlinear optimization model in their problems
method
1059
1060 A. Azadeh et al. / Applied Soft Computing 10 (2010) 10401061
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