The aim of this paper is to develop and validate methods of choosing the means of the mining face mechanization. This paper analyses existing methods of optimizing processes in mining. It was established that the effectiveness of the performance map of coal field is formed by a group of technological, operational, and economic parameters which can be represented as a vector of solutions. To find the optimal solution, it was suggested to use network models and graphs. The essence of the technique is to represent the input and output (production level, prime cost) resource flows in an organized structure. Regularities of forming technological schemes of coalfield operation with a given level of performance, taking into account the relationship between technological parameters of mining face, operational parameters of the stoping equipment, technical and economic performance are defined. We developed the system for decision-making support, which allows optimizing operational parameters, reducing the production prime cost, and selecting the structure of the mechanized complex of stoping equipment with a specified level of performance. This paper describes approaches that can be used at the design stage of mining face and in the process of operation.

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new methodological approach to complex assessment of coal-mining enterprises basing on the evaluation of technological schemes from the viewpoint of their susceptibility to innovations. To solve the specified problems, a complex method has been used. The method involves geometrical interpretation of a task of determining boundary parameters of technological schemes, application of criteria-based estimations for determining a level of production efficiency, and use of complex index of economic re liability. For the first time, optimality criteria for innovation management in coal industry have been proposed; they take into consideration a level of organization of innovations, organization of innovative production system, and organization of innovative production process. A complex index “internal potential of technological networks” has been developed, being one of the essential parameters for evaluating coal mine conditions. It has been identified that its formation is the result of the influence of certain factors determining the underground mining efficiency and, first of all, the coal mine property—spatial development. According to the represented concept, a policy of optimal control for maintaining the operating mine capacities is based on the evaluation of remained reserves, substantiated planning of a stoping line, and correspondence of extraction equipment to the operating conditions. It is possible to increase the concentration of production by redistributing the remained reserves and integration of mines by mining operations; that makes it possible to concentrate resources within those parts of a mine field where the effect will show its maximum. Modelling of such problems is based on a system of constraints without any requirements for providing the planned mine loading, obligatory in the past. Analysis of the indices of efficiency of coal-mining technological schemes and accounting of the developed factual system of indices have helped elaborate recommendations concerning the use of optimality criteria in the organizational tasks of assessment of the potential of technological scheme of mines. Further application of graphs and network models will allow optimizing the mining production parameters. Consequently, the carried out research has resulted in a new system as for innovation management in a mining complex.

Purpose is to develop a new approach to the design of mining operations basing upon models and methods of decision making.Methods. The paper has applied a complex approach involving approaches of decision-making theory. Analysis of the pro-duction development scenarios is proposed for strategic activity planning; criteria to make decisions under the uncertainty conditions as well as decision-making trees for day-to-day management are proposed to determine balanced production level.Findings. It has been identified that mining production design is of the determined character demonstrating changes in "state of the nature" depending upon the made decisions. The idea of mining production is to reduce uncertainty gradually by means of analysis of production scenarios, and elimination of unfavourable alternatives. Operative management is implemented while constructing decision trees, and optimizing operation parameters. Representation of sets of rational equipment types as well as development scenarios, and their comparison in terms of decision-making parameters makes it possible to determine adequate capacity of a working area, and to reduce expenditures connected with the equipment purchase and maintenance. In this context, limiting factors, effecting anticipatory mining out-put, are taken into consideration. Successive comparison of the alternatives helps identify decision-making area for different scenarios of the production development.Originality. To manage mining production, approaches of decision-making theory have been proposed which involve the use of decision trees, decision-making criteria, and analysis of scenarios basing upon representation of operating procedures in the form of a network model within which the shortest route corresponds to optimum decision. Practical implications. Decision-making system has been developed making it possible to optimize operation parameters, to reduce prime cost of mining, and to select a structure of engineering connections with the specified production level. The described approaches may be applied at the stage of a stope design as well as in the process of a field development. Specific attention has been paid to a software development to implement the approaches.

The purpose of this paper is to develop new approaches for optimizing the technological flows at coal mines. Based on analysis, the area of the presented approaches application has been outlined for decision-making in mining. The concept is to use graph theory methods and network models for balancing the flows incoming to the mine in the form of resources and the output flows in the form of coal, rock, gas, and water. This improves the overall efficiency of functioning the mining enterprise. A new model is proposed that describes the production activity of the underground mining complex for the delivery of three production components to the surface. These components from the viewpoint of rational resource and environmental management can be considered as factors that may have a negative impact on the level of technological scheme in terms of investing advisability, as well as on the environment. These components are coal, rock, methane gas and mine water. Given their stochastic nature, it is accepted for the mathematical description of the movement processes of coal (С), rock (R), methane gas (G) and water (W) to represent them in the form of flows within some technological system of converters, and including the diversification of mining production. The presented approach can be applied not only at the stage of designing, but also to assess the existing state of the coal mines. Special attention is focused on the development of software for decision-making.