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Deep learning (DL) is one of the most promising technological developments emerging in the fourth industrial revolution era for businesses to improve processes, increase efficiency, and reduce errors. Accordingly, hierarchical learning software selection is one of the most critical decision-making problems in integrating neural network applications into business models. However, selecting appropriate reinforcement learning software for integrating deep learning applications into enterprises’ business models takes much work for decision-makers. There are several reasons for this: first, practitioners’ limited knowledge and experience of DL makes it difficult for decision-makers to adapt this technology into their enterprises’ business model and significantly increases complex uncertainties. Secondly, according to the authors’ knowledge, no study in the literature addresses deep structured learning solutions with the help of MCDM approaches. Consequently, making inferences concerning criteria that should be considered in an evaluation process is impossible by considering the studies in the relevant literature. Considering these gaps, this study presents a novel decision-making approach developed by the authors. It involves the combination of two new decision-making approaches, MAXC (MAXimum of Criterion) and TODIFFA (the total differential of alternative), which were developed to solve current decision-making problems. When the most important advantages of this model are considered, it associates objective and subjective approaches and eliminates some critical limitations of these methodologies. Besides, it has an easily followable algorithm without the need for advanced mathematical knowledge for practitioners and provides highly stable and reliable results in solving complex decision-making problems. Another novelty of the study is that the criteria are determined with a long-term negotiation process that is part of comprehensive fieldwork with specialists. When the conclusions obtained using this model are briefly reviewed, the C2 “Data Availability and Quality” criterion is the most influential in selecting deep learning software. The C7 “Time Constraints” criterion follows the most influential factor. Remarkably, prior research has overlooked the correlation between the performance of Deep Learning (DL) platforms and the quality and accessibility of data. The findings of this study underscore the necessity for DL platform developers to devise solutions to enable DL platforms to operate effectively, notwithstanding the availability of clean, high-quality, and adequate data. Finally, the robustness check carried out to test the validity of the proposed model confirms the accuracy and robustness of the results obtained by implementing the suggested model.

In this work, we propose a 3D dynamic optimization model that enables the design of an underground mine ore pass system with uncertainties. Ore transportation costs and ore pass development costs are quantified by triangular fuzzy numbers. Transportation costs are treated as production costs, and they vary over the duration of mining operation, while development costs of ore passes are treated as an investment, and they are treated as constant. The developed model belongs to the class of fuzzy 0–1 linear programming models, where the fuzzy objective cost function achieves a minimum value, with respect to given set of techno-dynamic constraints. Searching for optimal value in the fuzzy environment is a hard task, and because of that, we developed a new ranking function which transforms the fuzzy optimization model into a crisp one. A triangular fuzzy number can be presented as a triangular graph G(V,E) composed of vertices and edges. The x-coordinate of the Torricelli point of a triangular graph presents the crisp value of a triangular fuzzy number. The use of this model lets us know the optimal number of ore passes, optimal location of ore passes, and optimal dynamic ore transportation plan.

Relatively large deformations of the steel arch support in underground coal mines in the Republic of Serbia present one of the main problems for achieving the planned production of coal. Monitoring of the critical sections of the steel arch support in the underground roadways is necessary to gather quality data for the development of a forecasting model. With a new generation of 3D laser scanners that can be used in potentially explosive environments (ATEX), deformation monitoring is facilitated, while the process of collecting precise data is much shorter. In this paper, we used a combination of grey and stochastic system theory combined with an autoregressive process for processing collected data and the development of a forecasting model of the deformations of the steel arch support. Forecasted data accuracy based on the positions of the markers placed along the internal rim of support construction shows high accuracy with MAPE of 0.2143%. The proposed model can successfully be used by mining engineers in underground coal mines for steel arch support deformations prediction, consequentially optimizing the maintenance plan of the underground roadways and achieving planned production.

An underground mine is a very complex production system within the mining industry. Building up the underground mine development system is closely related to the installation of support needed to provide the stability of mine openings. The selection of the type of support system is recognized as a very hard problem and multi-criteria decision making can be a very useful tool to solve it. In this paper we developed a methodology that helps mining engineers to select the appropriate support system with respect to geological conditions and technological requirements. Accordingly, we present a novel hybrid model that integrates the two following decision-making components. First, this study suggests a new approach for calculating the weights of criteria in an objective way named the Modified Preference Selection Index (MPSI) method. Second, the Magnitude of the Area for the Ranking of Alternatives (MARA) method is proposed as a novel multi-criteria decision-making technique for establishing the final rank of alternatives. The model is tested on a hypothetical example. Comparative analysis confirms that the new proposed MPSI–MARA model is a very useful and effective tool for solving different MCDM problems.

Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) is a supporting tool which is widely spread in different areas of science and industry. Many researchers have confirmed that MCDM methods can be useful for selecting the best solution in many different problems. In this paper, two novel methods are presented and applied on existing decision-making processes in the mining industry. The first method is multiple criteria ranking by alternative trace (MCRAT) and the second is ranking alternatives by perimeter similarity (RAPS). These two novel methods are demonstrated in decision-making problems and compared with the ranking of the same alternatives by other MCDM methods. The mining process often includes drilling and blasting operations as the most common activities for exploitation of raw materials. For optimal blasting design it is important to select the most suitable parameters for the blasting pattern and respect characteristics of the working environment and production conditions. By applying novel methods, how to successfully select the most proper blasting pattern respecting all conditions that must be satisfied for economic aspects and the safety of employees and the environment is presented.

Underground mining engineers and planners in our country are faced with extremely difficult working conditions and a continuous shortage of money. Production disruptions are frequent and can sometimes last more than a week. During this time, gate road support is additionally exposed to rock stress and the result is its progressive deformation and the loss of functionality of gate roads. In such an environment, it is necessary to develop a low-cost methodology to maintain a gate road support system. For this purpose, we have developed a model consisting of two main phases. The first phase is related to support deformation monitoring, while the second phase is related to data analysis. To record support deformations over a defined time horizon we use laser scanning technology together with multivariate singular spectrum analysis to conduct data processing and forecasting. Fuzzy time series is applied to classify the intensity of displacements into several independent groups (clusters).

The uncertainty that dominates in the functioning of the electricity market is of great significance and arises, generally, because of the time imbalance in electricity consumption rates and power plants’ production capacity, as well as the influence of many other factors (weather conditions, fuel costs, power plant operating costs, regulations, etc.). In this paper we try to incorporate this uncertainty in the electricity price forecasting model by applying interval numbers to express the price of electricity, with no intention of exploring influencing factors. This paper represents a hybrid model based on fuzzy C-mean clustering and the interval-valued autoregressive process for forecasting the short-term electricity price. A fuzzy C-mean algorithm was used to create interval time series to be forecasted by the interval autoregressive process. In this way, the efficiency of forecasting is improved because we predict the interval, not the crisp value where the price will be. This approach increases the flexibility of the forecasting model.

The main aim of a coal deposit model is to provide an effective basis for mine production planning. The most applied approach is related to block modeling as a reasonable global representation of the coal deposit. By selection of adequate block size, deposits can be well represented. A block has a location in XYZ space and is characterized by adequate attributes obtained from drill holes data. From a technological point of view, i.e., a thermal power plant’s requirements, heating value, sulfur and ash content are the most important attributes of coal. Distribution of attributes’ values within a coal deposit can vary significantly over space and within each block as well. To decrease the uncertainty of attributes’ values within blocks the concept of fuzzy triangular numbers is applied. Production planning in such an environment is a very hard task, especially in the presence of requirements. Such requirements are considered as target values while the values of block attributes are the actual values. To make production planning easier we have developed a coal deposit model based on clustering the relative closeness of actual values to the target values. The relative closeness is obtained by the TOPSIS method while technological clusters are formed by fuzzy C-mean clustering. Coal deposits are thus represented by multi-attribute technological mining cuts.

Underground mine projects are often associated with diverse sources of uncertainties. Having the ability to plan for these uncertainties plays a key role in the process of project evaluation and is increasingly recognized as critical to mining project success. To make the best decision, based on the information available, it is necessary to develop an adequate model incorporating the uncertainty of the input parameters. The model is developed on the basis of full discounted cash flow analysis of an underground zinc mine project. The relationships between input variables and economic outcomes are complex and often nonlinear. Fuzzy-interval grey system theory is used to forecast zinc metal prices while geometric Brownian motion is used to forecast operating costs over the time frame of the project. To quantify the uncertainty in the parameters within a project, such as capital investment, ore grade, mill recovery, metal content of concentrate, and discount rate, we have applied the concept of interval numbers. The final decision related to project acceptance is based on the net present value of the cash flows generated by the simulation over the time project horizon.