Prioritizing Modern Mining Technologies for Afghanistan Using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Framework

Authors

  • Zaman Nihzat Afghan International Islamic University (AIIU), Department of Mining Engineering & Management, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul, Afghanistan Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2750-3836
  • Aref Naimzad Afghan International Islamic University (AIIU), Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul, Afghanistan Author
  • Mohammad Fahim Weyaar Afghan International Islamic University (AIIU), Department of Mining Engineering & Management, Faculty of Engineering, Kabul, Afghanistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66546/aijs.v2i2.52

Keywords:

Afghanistan, Mining, Technologies, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA), Technologies Prioritization

Abstract

The mining sector in Afghanistan, with its vast mineral resources, faces challenges in adopting modern technologies due to infrastructure and economic limitations. Despite the availability of various modern mining technologies, no prioritization framework has been proposed for Afghanistan. This research fills this gap by presenting an evidence-based prioritization in Afghanistan. Fifteen modern mining technologies were identified through a systematic literature review, and weights for five important criteria were determined through a survey of 100 Afghan mining experts. The Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method was used for prioritization, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to confirm the validity. The findings indicate that GIS & RS, UAVs, Air & Dust Pollution Monitoring, and Renewable Energy Technologies are the four top priorities. Conversely, technologies such as AI, Blockchain, Automation, and Digital Twins are ranked lowest. This framework provides a strategic tool for gradual, context-appropriate adoption of Afghanistan's mining sector by policymakers and investors. 

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2026-06-30

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Prioritizing Modern Mining Technologies for Afghanistan Using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Framework. (2026). Afghan International Journal of Science, 2(2), 163-181. https://doi.org/10.66546/aijs.v2i2.52

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