Combination of MCDM and GIS for study of the gypsum mineral mines spatial distribution with emphasis on environmental considerations (Case Study: Hablehrud catchment-Semnan province (

In spite of human knowledge and technology development, unfortunately, the situation of the environment at national, regional and international levels is critical and complex. We can no longer expect that with economic and industrial development the environment remains intact, but the reduction of pollution and its harmful effects using high technology can ensure the health, growth and excellence of present and future life on Earth. Multi-criteria decision-making System (MCDM) has been used to improve decision-making and management process. The spatial information systems are suitable for spatial data analysis. Also, Geographic information systems have been used to properly determine suitable areas for industrial and mining activities and its impacts assessment on the environment. In this study, using ecological, economic and social criteria and their integration with MCDM and GIS, the study area based on its sensitivity to mining activities were mapped. Also Environmental considerations consists of impact of mining activities on the urban settlements, rural settlements, surface water, groundwater, wildlife habitat, agriculture, tourism and vegetation were analyzed. Based on zoning map of the sensitivity of the active area of ​​the mineral gypsum, range, interference within the mining and production zones were identified. The results showed that 15% of the mineral sector with a range of prohibited activities, 6% in the zone of extreme sensitivity, 11% in the zone of high sensitivity, and 58% moderate and 10% is located in the zone of low sensitivity. Which implies the fact that 26 of the total 52 mining operations across the range of prohibited activities that should be stopped. It has been elaborated that the priority for planning must be related to the management of this moderate sensitive zone. The survey also shown that two criteria consists of the agriculture area and surface water had the most interaction with the unsafe mineral activities.