A fuzzy method for selecting underground coal mining method considering mechanization criteria

One of the crucial decisions affecting productivity of the mine is the mining method selection. Longwall mining is quite common in underground coal mining, and it allows the use of mechanization. As application of mechanization increases, production also increases and the number of workers decreases. Thus, the organization of work is easier, and the number of accidents decreases in the mine. Field conditions and equipment properties should be evaluated in detail before applying mechanization. In this study, underground mechanization factors are grouped under four main headings. These headings are production, geology, rock mechanics and work safety factors. And then, sub-criteria are determined under main headings. Main and sub-criteria are evaluated with fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method for Amasra coal mine. According to the fuzzy evaluations of decision criteria, underground mechanization methods are evaluated whether they can be applied in Amasra coal mine.