ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF TITANIUM MINING USING THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

Abstract

This study aims to assess the environmental safety of open-pit titanium mining by applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify critical environmental impact factors and optimize corresponding mitigation strategies. The research contributes to the advancement of sustainable resource extraction by proposing a structured decision-making framework tailored to complex ecological challenges. A multi-criteria hierarchical model was developed, incorporating geological, hydrological, and ecological indicators relevant to titanium mining operations. The AHP method was adapted for environmental applications to enable systematic pairwise comparisons of impact factors, based on expert judgment and supported by post-project environmental monitoring data. This approach facilitated the determination of factor priority and the evaluation of mitigation alternatives. The results indicate that chemical contamination of surface and groundwater, disruption of hydrodynamic regimes, and soil degradation represent the most significant environmental risks. Priority mitigation measures include land reclamation, closed-loop water circulation systems, and long-term ecological restoration, aimed at minimizing negative impacts and enhancing ecosystem resilience. The study presents a novel application of AHP in the context of titanium mining, introducing an integrated framework that combines expert-based evaluation with empirical monitoring data. This fusion enhances predictive accuracy and supports informed decision-making in environmental management.The proposed approach serves as a practical tool for mining companies, environmental consultants, and regulatory agencies to assess ecological risks, improve monitoring systems, and implement sustainable mining practices. The methodology is adaptable to other sectors within the extractive industry facing similar environmental concerns. The integration of AHP with dynamic environmental monitoring demonstrates a high potential for assessing and mitigating the environmental impacts of open pit mining. This supports adaptive management and helps to balance industrial activity with environmental sustainability. Future research should explore hybrid modeling approaches to further enhance the predictive capabilities and accuracy of impact assessment.