Developing an Alternate Mineral Transportation System by Evaluating Risk of Truck Accidents in the Mining Industry—A Critical Fuzzy DEMATEL Approach

Abstract

The innovative transportation system is a pertinent need for the mining industry. Truck haulage is currently the most common mode of mineral transportation between the excavation sites and end use plants. However, besides being resource-intensive and inefficient, this mode of transportation accounts for a high number of accidents and injuries. In order to reduce the occurrence of accidents, it is important to first understand the primary contributors to truck-related occupational risks and then develop strategies to eliminate such risks. The available literature predominantly advocates for the use of statistical or probabilistic methodologies that suffer from considerable limitations. This paper utilizes the Fuzzy DEMATEL (Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial Evaluation Laboratory) approach to conduct an in-depth assessment of the critical factors that result in mining accidents involving trucks and the relationships between these factors, presented using a cause-and-effect diagram. The study also includes a sensitivity analysis for validating the robustness of the fuzzy model. The results show that high speed and aggressive driving is the most important causal factor behind accidents. The negative impact on socio-economic conditions of local community members is also discussed. Among other preventive measures, the paper emphasizes the pipe conveyor system as an alternate and safer mineral transportation system.