Selection mining methods via multiple criteria decision analysis using TOPSIS and modification of the UBC method

Abstract

Mine designers often face difficulties in selecting an appropriate mining method; however, such a method should be selected based on ore and rock characteristics. The selection of mining methods can be considered a type of multi-criteria decision making, and this depends on many factors used in the selection process. The general method used in this field is the University of British Columbia (UBC) method, which determines the criteria of the properties that are compared to determine the best and worst of several mining methods. In this paper we used as new technique which define as Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The criteria considered in the UBC method include general shape, ore thickness, ore plunge, and grade distribution, beside the rock quality designation (RQD), and the rock substance strength (RSS). This paper presents an improved TOPSIS method based on experimental design. Additionally, this paper will introduce a modified version of the UBC method that can be employed based on Excel sheet. The best mining methods is cut and fill Stoping and Top slicing with the same rank equal 0.72, and the second-best mining method is Square set Stoping with rank equal 0.65.