Multiple-criteria decision-making for the choice of equipment in mining using the AHP method

Rational solution for mining equipment based on the use of haul trucks, excavators, wheel loaders and crunchers should result from thorough analysis of technical and economic issues – both cost-related and exploitational - which can have a crucial impact on the cost of minerals extraction. Moreover mining equipment should be selected with consideration for all vital parameters in specific exploitational conditions and even the exploiter’s preferences. This selection should consider hitherto disregarded criteria, such as mean availability and structure utilization of machinery systems with the aim to improve the same. Methodology presented in the paper illustrates practical application of MCDM and one particular method of this type – the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) – for resolving the problem in specific exploitational conditions of mineral resource in surface mining AHP method covers a multi-criteria approach based on a compensation strategy to model preferences and assuming variant comparability. Taking into account the preferences of the evaluator, which determine the subjectivity of comparative evaluation, is the core of the multi-criteria approach, which treats such preferences Considering the above issues, the following paper is an attempt to develop new and universal criteria as well as a method of evaluation and selection of means of mining equipment for mineral resource surface mines.