Design and Analysis of an Open-Pit Iron Mine Dust Pollution Evaluation Model Based on the AHP-FCE Method

Currently, there is a lack of systematic and quantitative analytical tools for dust emission control in open-pit iron mines. To address this research gap, this study constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system by integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) method. The framework includes four first-level indicators, 12 s-level indicators and 30 third-level indicators. The structural design was informed by laws and regulations, the relevant literature and the principle of dust hierarchical control to ensure the theoretical and empirical basis for the selection of indicators. The evaluation process was based on on-site monitoring data and production ledgers from the open-pit iron mine of the Shuichang Mine, as well as the results of multiple rounds of consultation by the Delphi method group composed of 30 experts in related industries. The results show that the comprehensive score of the mine is 87.14 points, and the overall prevention and control is effective. But the performance of each dimension is unbalanced: fundamental data on production processes scored highest, while individual exposure and protection measures were relatively weak, indicating that the personnel protection link needs to be strengthened. Sensitivity analysis further verified the structural stability of the index system and identified the ventilation and dust removal system as a key driving factor. This framework can provide quantitative decision support for mine managers, enhancing the precision and overall effectiveness of dust control through the accurate identification of weaknesses and optimized resource allocation.