A multi-criteria based SWOT analysis of sustainable planning for mining and mineral industry in Pakistan

Lack of strategic planning in the mining and mineral industry (MMI) of Pakistan remains the core issue impeding the development of the industry. This study proposes and, respectively, prioritizes future strategies based on strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis. The proposed strategies aim to foster the sustainable development of the MMI. An integrated approach is introduced to conduct the analysis. Initially, SWOT factors are identified through a literature survey and experts’ feedback. The importance of each element of SWOT analysis and underlying factors is quantified using fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP). Finally, the weightage obtained using FAHP is used in the fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS) to rank, prioritize, and determine the best strategies for the future development of MMI. The FAHP results reveal that the strengths and weaknesses receive almost the same priority. It is found that the factors ‘enormous mineral potential’ and ‘demand for minerals’ can drive development in MMI, whereas governmental, organizational, and economic weaknesses place hurdles in the development. The results of FTOPSIS show that the need for new mineral policy development is recognized to be the most important factor, followed, respectively, by financial support to the industry, technological advancement, and human resource development.