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Shafts have critical importance in deep mines and underground constructions. There are several traditional and mechanized methods for shaft sinking operations. Using mechanized excavation technique is an applicable alternative to improve project performance, although impose a huge capital cost. There are a number of key parameters for this selection which often are in conflict with each other and decision maker should seek a balance between these parameters. Therefore, shaft sinking method selection is a multi criteria decision making problem. This paper intends to use the combination of analytical hierarchy process and TOPSIS (Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution) methods under fuzzy environment in order to select a proper shaft sinking method. A real world application is conducted to illustrate the utilization of the model for the shaft sinking problem in Parvadeh Coal Mine. The results show that using raise boring machine is selected as the most appropriate shaft sinking method for this mine. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]