Use of Integrated AHP-Topsis Method in Selection of Optimum Mine Planning for Open-Pit Mines

Abstract

Successful mine planning is necessary for the sustainability of mining activities. Since this process depends on many criteria, it can be considered a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem. In this study, an integrated MCDM method based on the combination of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) is proposed to select the optimum mine planning in open-pit mines. To prove the applicability of the proposed method, a case study was carried out. Firstly, a decision-making group was created, which consists of mining, geology, planning engineers, investors, and operators. As a result of studies performed by this group, four main criteria, thirteen sub-criteria, and nine mine planning alternatives were determined. Then, AHP was applied to determine the relative weights of evaluation criteria, and TOPSIS was performed to rank the mine planning alternatives. Among the alternatives evaluated, the alternative with the highest net present value was selected as the optimum mine planning alternative. It has been determined that the proposed integrated AHP-TOPSIS method can significantly assist decision-makers in the process of deciding which of the few mine planning alternatives should be implemented in open-pit mines.