Renewable energy based mine reclamation strategy: A hybrid fuzzy-based network analysis

Earth and its resources are the most important assets of humankind; they are valuable not only for the present generation but also for future communities. Therefore, a mined land area should be closed and reclaimed to protect the environment from probable contaminants. This study develops a new approach by integrating an intelligent multi-goal fuzzy cognitive map and a fuzzy analytical network process to evaluate and prioritize mined land reclamation strategies. The approach is exemplified based on the data of a limestone mine area by examining sustainable development goals, several criteria and related sub criteria, and important reclamation strategies. Results of the fuzzy cognitive map indicate that the criteria have nearly similar effects on sustainable goals. The prioritization results of the developed approach indicate that the strategy of mine closure and installation of solar cells is the most appropriate alternative for reclaiming the studied mine area. An expert team has approved results along with an evaluation of the effective factors and conditions of the area. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.