In this paper, a mine blast algorithm (MBA) is proposed for optimal allocations and sizing of capacitors in various distribution systems. The most candidate buses for installing capacitors are suggested using loss sensitivity factors (LSF). Then, the proposed MBA is employed to deduce the size of capacitors and their locations from the elected buses. The objective function is designed to reduce the total cost and, consequently, to increase the net saving per year. The proposed algorithm is tested on 10 and 85 bus radial distribution systems. The obtained results via the proposed algorithm are compared with others to highlight their benefits. The topic is interesting and the paper is well written and organized. However, the following comments can be useful to the respected authors in order to further improve their manuscript: 1- In the literature review addressed in the introduction (section 1), the respected authors mentioned several previous algorithms and methods to solve the related optimization problem. Nevertheless, only those methods' names were mentioned without any more details about the problem nature, some of the algorithms' specific features, or the differences that the current paper is studying. In my opinion, this presentation could easily affect the understanding of the main purpose of this research as well as the main contributions proposed in this paper. Therefore, it is suggested that the authors could present more details through the flow of the research objective in order to clearly deliver their idea and innovative points to the readers. 2- Please add a paragraph of 4-6 points to highlight the main contributions of this research. This paragraph could be added at the end of the introduction (section 1). 3- It is clear that the mine blast algorithm was firstly proposed in 2012 by Sadollah A, et all, as cited in refs [31,32]. However, the authors mentioned that they proposed this algorithm in this paper, which is not clear enough. Please provide the necessary explanations. 4- Even though MBA was explained in section 3, it is recommended to add a flowchart of the detailed steps to clearly demonstrate the application of this algorithm on the optimal allocation and sizing of shunt capacitors problem, with explaining the control variables, initialization, main loop, and termination of the method. 5- Please address the main parameters of the utilized algorithm with their values used in this research. 6- The discussions of the presented results could be more improved in terms of the comparisons with other methods. 7- Some statistical measurements could be added to the results to further validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method, such as standard deviation, and mean values. 8- It is also suggested to show the convergence characteristics and time consuming of the MBA for solving the related problem. Since LSF is used to reduce the seraph space of the problem, it is important to evaluate the proposed method's performance in terms of convergence and time consuming.
9- Some figures' captions are confusing to the reader. Therefore, it is suggested to rewrite them properly. 10- There are some typos and grammar mistakes. Therefore, it is recommended to check the manuscript's writing again. Thank you!