Use of multi-criteria decision-aids for risk zoning and management of large area subjected to mining-induced hazards

The end of iron-mining operations in France's Lorraine region has raised the problem of post-mining management. Collapses and subsidence have recently occurred in this region, which focused on the necessity to develop a specific methodology for risk zoning. The proposed methodology is based on the multi-criteria decision-aid approach called 'ELECTRE TRI', with aim to assign zones at risk into predefined classes. It allows experts opinions, qualitative and quantitative criteria and uncertainties to be taken into account. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.