Multicriteria framework for investment prioritization in primary diamond deposits exploration: geoscientific, economic, and risk integration.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69849/egkvt064Keywords:
diamond mining, multicriteria decision-making, risk management, investment evaluation, geological explorationAbstract
The exploration of primary diamond deposits is characterized by high geological complexity, economic uncertainty, and significant investment-related risks, requiring more robust analytical approaches to support strategic decision-making. In this context, this study aims to propose a multicriteria framework for prioritizing investments in primary diamond deposit exploration, integrating geoscientific, economic, and risk dimensions. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach based on a systematic and integrative literature review of scientific sources. The research was conducted using international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar, complemented by technical reports from the mining sector. The analysis included a critical synthesis of multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) models, as well as the conceptual integration of geological, economic, and probabilistic risk approaches, enabling the identification of methodological gaps and the development of a structured theoretical framework. The results show that integrating MCDM methods with risk analysis significantly enhances mining investment prioritization by reducing subjectivity and explicitly incorporating geological and economic uncertainty. It is concluded that the proposed framework constitutes a robust analytical tool applicable to high-uncertainty contexts, particularly in emerging diamond regions such as Southern Africa, supporting more efficient and informed investment decisions.
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