Selection of material handling equipment system for surface mines by using a combination of fuzzy MCDM models

ABSTRACT: Selecting transport equipment is one of the most important and basic parts in the planning of every project, particularly mining projects due to holding a high charge of the total project's cost. So it can affect the fact that the project is economical or not. Criteria and a variety of parameters have an influence on the selection of equipment, while these criteria often are in conflict with each other; as a result choosing equipment is a complex and difficult decision-making process. There are a variety of methods for selecting equipment such as MCDM, Expert System, Genetic Algorithm, as well as mathematical models. Likewise, concerning the existence of uncertainty in decision making, usage of Fuzzy method is inevitable. This article tries to measure the weight of criteria by using Fuzzy AHP and to prioritize the options by using Fuzzy TOPSIS method. Since many of these criteria dependents on ore,GolGohar Iron Ore Mine is considered as a case study. The results show the superiority of trucks, with 0.0379 weight, compared to other options.