Practical applications from decision-making techniques for selection of suitable mining method in Iran

Mining method selection for an explored ore-body is the critical and problematic issues in mining engineering. Selection of an unsuitable method with regards to deposit characteristics may make exploitation of the ore-body troublesome and sometimes impossible or less economic. In the past, selection of extraction method was based primarily on operating experience at similar type mine and on methods already in use in the districts of the deposit. Recently application of decision theory has been paid attention for different selection problems. Decision-making methods are not using customarily in mining engineering but they are techniques can provide solutions to the problems involving conflicting and multiple criteria as mining method selection problems. This study presents of different decision making methods in complex environment of mining activities for optimal and efficient production. The focus of this article is on inspection of the suitable mining method selection and presentation of procedure, and is based on the decision theory. This paper is divided into two sections. The first section provides an overview of the mining method selection problems and decision making theory. The second section introduces an application of the Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) for mining method selection accompanied by practical illustrations.