Study of Environmental Performance Index of Mines Using a Balanced Scorecard Approach and Fuzzy Network Analysis

Background: Environmental performance indexes are numerical values that provide insights into the condition of the environment and human health. This study focuses on the use of the Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (SBSC) as a multidimensional tool for measuring environmental performance and health in mining companies. The application of SBSC is crucial in guiding mining companies towards sustainable development and human health objectives. Methods: Based on the literature and research background, ۷۵ initial indicators were examined. Subsequently, ۲۸ indicators were selected as final indicators. The Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (FANP) method was used for weighting and ranking the perspectives of the SBSC. Additionally, a pairwise comparison questionnaire was designed and distributed among the experts. Results: The research findings demonstrated that among various perspectives of the SBSC, the "growth and learning" perspective had the highest average weight of ۰.۴۸, indicating its superiority over other perspectives. The "society" perspective ranked second, with an average weight of ۰.۲۴, while the "environment and health" perspective ranked third, with an average weight of ۰.۲۲. Finally, the "economy" perspective ranked fourth with an average weight of ۰.۱۶ compared with the other perspectives. Conclusion: The primary objective of the present study was to identify, prioritise, and assess the aspects that influence sustainability, and after that provide a complete framework for evaluating sustainability performance in the mining industry. To achieve this, a sophisticated theoretical framework called SBSC was introduced. This framework provides a strong means of measuring and evaluating sustainable performance in mining and related sectors.

Keywords:

Sustainable development , Balanced Scorecard , Environmental Performance Index , Fuzzy Delphi technique , Fuzzy network analysis