Hybrid expert system aiding design of post-mining regions restoration

Reclamation as one of the stages in the life cycle of a mine is realized using different techniques and technology adapted to the unique characteristics for any given mining institution. Restoration of terrain from open-cast mining is influenced by many factors and processes; the results are open to interpretation and are not predictable. Most of the aforementioned factors have qualitative characteristics. The number and complex connections among these factors make the analysis of post-mining terrain restoration expensive and time-consuming. Therefore the automation of the decision making is desirable. In this paper, a fuzzy decision support system design is proposed for the restoration of post-mining regions. The system was applied to the testing of decision making concerning the direction of revitalization in an open-cast mining institution in Zator community, southern Poland. The considered gravel mine has worked since 1951 and belongs to the Cracow Aggregate Exploitation Company.