Applying multi-criteria analysis tools (AHP, SAW) combined with GIS to analyze the reasonableness of mineral resource exploitation in Phu My town, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province

Abstract

Mineral resources play a crucial role in infrastructure development and serving socio-economic development but also lead to consequences of non-renewable resource depletion and negative impacts on the environment and society. Therefore, some studies establish appropriate indexes to analyze and evaluate the reasonableness of exploiting mineral resources. This study approaches the multi-criteria analysis method (MCDM) and geographic information system (GIS) to analyze and evaluate the reasonableness of exploiting mineral resources. The reasonableness index is established based on 03 component indexes related to mining conditions, economic and social, and environmental protection, estimated based on 03 sets of criteria and corresponding weights. The study investigated, interviewed 114 relevant subjects, and evaluated 25 mine sites planned to exploit mineral resources in Phu My town, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. Research results have shown that the reasonableness of each mine site is classified as Very high, high, medium, and low, accounting for 28%, 36%, 24%, and 12%, respectively. Based on the analysis and direct consultation with managers, 03 solutions to improve the reasonableness of exploiting natural resources were proposed. In addition, the research results also support managers and policies in making decisions related to ensuring harmony and reasonableness between exploitation and use of resources with environmental protection.