Abstract
An exploratory study of the marble industry of Rajasthan, India is made. The major problems facing the industry are identified. A mixed-integer programming model is developed considering geological, environmental, mining technology and employment and demand characteristics with a view to deciding on an optimal mix of marble mining techniques and their goal levels for a given increment in demand. Decision graphs are developed to help decide the number of mines of each type to be opened for a particular reserve with the characteristics outlined above. Sensitivity analyses are carried out.