Fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework for controlling methane explosions in coal mines

Area of Science:

• Mining Engineering
• Risk Management
• Decision Analysis

Background:

• Underground coal mines face inherent risks due to challenging conditions, leading to potential financial losses and severe worker safety issues.
• Methane explosions are a frequent and significant threat in coal mining operations, necessitating effective accident control strategies.
• Existing safety measures require robust methods for selecting the most effective explosion control techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply a hybrid decision-making framework for selecting optimal accident control methods for underground coal mine methane explosions.
• To identify and prioritize key risk factors associated with methane explosions in coal mines.
• To rank various explosion control strategies based on their effectiveness and feasibility.

Main Methods:

• A hybrid methodology combining fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was employed.
• Data gathering through surveys identified 34 sub-risk factors for methane explosions.
• Fuzzy AHP was used to calculate the weights of identified risks, with 'improper ventilation system' ranked highest.
• Fuzzy TOPSIS then ranked the explosion control alternatives using the computed risk weights.
• Sensitivity analysis was performed to validate the robustness of the findings.

Main Results:

• The study identified 'improper ventilation system' as the most critical risk factor contributing to methane explosions.
• The ranking of explosion control methods indicated that 'improving safety technology' and 'financial investments' are the most effective strategies.
• A sensitivity analysis confirmed the reliability of the proposed decision-making framework.

Conclusions:

• The integrated fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS approach provides a valuable and dynamic tool for assessing and managing mine methane explosion risks.
• Prioritizing safety technology enhancements and allocating sufficient financial resources are crucial for mitigating methane explosion incidents in underground coal mines.
• The methodology offers a systematic way to improve safety and reduce losses in hazardous mining environments.