Multi-criteria decision making is widely used in mining to solve a variety of problems, as well as to support the mine planning and design process. The choice of the mining method of excavation for underground exploitation is a very complex and responsible matter, and support in the application of multi-criteria decision-making methods are of great importance of making the final decision. This paper will present the scientific methodology for the mining method selection by the application of VIKOR method, which gives the results of compromise alternatives.

The total operating costs of each mine largely depend on the method of mining. Therefore, the appropriate choice of the method of mining excavation is very important and great attention is paid to this issue. There are several procedures for the selection of the mining method, among which the most important and most commonly used numerical method is the UBC methodology for the selection of the mining method. According to this methodology, the choice of the method of mining excavation is based on the mining-geological parameters of the ore and adjacent rocks. In this paper, the UBC methodology for the selection of the mining excavation method for a specific case will be applied. According to this methodology, it was obtained that Cut and Fill method is best ranked for specific conditions and the most appropriate way of mining.

The purpose of this chapter is to develop a methodology that will contribute in locating optimal evacuation routes in case of fire that are based on minimal carbon monoxide (CO) exposure during the evacuation procedures. The proposed methodology is tested using simulated fire scenarios from which CO concentration over time curve is extracted from all available evacuation routes and presented in a weighted form based on the accumulating effect of CO inhalation in the form of fractional effective dose (FED). The safety limits of the FED model on which the optimization process is based are determined using a model for the prediction of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in human blood. The COHb model is associated with predicted clinical symptoms that are the basis for determining the level of incapacitation at which the mineworkers are incapable of completing their evacuation. Also in the process of improving the fire risk analysis, the proposed methodology enables the development of evacuation plans that are based on the results of modeled fire scenarios combined together with the results of the anticipated hazards generated by CO inhalation. The results presented in this chapter indicate a more precise approach in the process of planning the evacuation system inside the underground mines.

Ore recovery and ore dilution have an important role for efficient operation of a mine. With each increase in percentage of ore dilution and reduced ore recovery there is negative impact on the economic value of the ore reserves. These parameters are mainly controlled with quality mining project and in situ analysis. The primary goal of this science paper is to present the methodology for optimization of coefficient for ore recovery and ore dilution in sublevel caving mining method. The optimization will be carried out through economic parameters, ie by calculating the net present value (NPV).

Opening an underground mine or part of it presents complex and responsible issue, which affects the economy and effectiveness of the mine operation. This paper presents a methodology for selecting the optimal variant for opening, the lead-zinc ore mine Toranica, Macedonia. Six variants of opening and haulage of ore and waste rocks in the deeper parts of the ore deposit have been considered. After the performed analysis, the optimal variant for opening and haulage for the Toranica mine was determined.