Ranking the geomechanical factors affecting the selection of underground mining methods using a combined technique of DEMATEL and ANP with a fuzzy approach

In the occurrence of geomechanical risks in underground mines and choosing a suitable underground mining method, one factor and a set of factors are closely related to each other. Studying, ranking, and determining the importance of the geomechanical and geological factors affecting the selection of underground mining methods from the point of view of the relationship and interaction between them helps to choose the best (the safest and the most profitable) mining method before starting the mining process. It can also help to design a better and safer mine and to reduce the subsequent risks. Therefore, according to the importance of the subject, in this research, using the fuzzy DANP method, ranking and determining the significance of the factors from the point of view of the existing relationships between them was done. To conduct the present study, first, the influential geomechanical and geological factors in the selection of underground mining methods were studied and recognized. Then, the fuzzy DANP method was used to rank and determine their importance. To implement this technique, questionnaires were designed and distributed among experts, and then 19 questionnaires were received to evaluate the factors. Finally, by implementing this method, the final weight of the criteria was calculated, and then they were ranked based on their obtained weights. The results show that the factors of rock mass tensile strength (0.115), discontinuity spacing (0.113), in-situ stresses (0.109), and geological structures of the deposit with a weight of 0.107 have the highest rank, respectively. Therefore, the abovementioned criteria are the most important among other factors.