Abstract: Based on the deficiencies of fuzzy mathematics，AHP，grey clustering and neural network in conventional mining methods selection，the principle of comprehensive index method in econometrics is introduced into the selection of mining method and the category comprehensive index method was set up to select the mining methods.The original qualitative comparison in selection was converted into the quantitative evaluation，which can intuitively estimate the merits and demerits of mining method with figures.Through building the category comprehensive index method model to select the mining method，the mining technology and ore body condition index were comprehensively estimated and maximum index of stage room mining method about the No.1 copper deposit in Inner Mongolia reached 0.564，closest to the grade 0.586 of standardⅠ.Accordingly，the superiority of the mining plan was determined，and the optimal mining method worked out，which is consistent with the actual mining situation.The category comprehensive index method introduced into the optimization of mining method，simplifies the selection of mining methods，and greatly improved the optimization of mining method.

Key words: Mining methods, Category comprehensive index, Standard matrix, Virtual strength and weakness