A novel index for resilience measure of critical infrastructure systems in underground coal mines based on the operating environment: Case-study
Abstract
Given the inherent risks and disruptions in underground coal mining operations, strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure has become a vital priority. This paper aims to evaluate the resilience of the underground coal mining environment using historical data and expert judgment. The study serves as a framework for optimising the utilisation of critical infrastructure to minimise operational disturbances. To achieve this, a practical methodology has been developed, incorporating nearly two and a half years of collected operational data, a hierarchical structure, and a systematic approach. Furthermore, a case study is conducted to demonstrate the real-world applicability of the proposed method. Finally, the resilience index is introduced as a straightforward summation of ranked impact factors, providing a clear metric for resilience assessment.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Infrastructure Resilience and Vulnerability Analysis
Supply Chain Resilience and Risk Management
Industrial and Mining Safety
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
- Volume
- 125
- Issue
- 12
- Pages
- 683–694
- Publication date
- 6 January 2026