One of the challenging problems for surface mining operation optimization is choosing the optimal truck and loader fleet. This problem is the Equipment Selection Problem (ESP). In this paper, we describe the ESP in the context of surface mining. We discuss related problems and applications. Within the scope of both the ESP and related problems, we outline modeling and solution approaches. Using...

This paper looks at a Multi-Period Renewal equipment problem (MPR). It is inspired by a specific real-life situation where a set of hardware items is to be managed and their replacement dates determined, given a budget over a time horizon comprising a set of periods. The particular characteristic of this problem is the possibility of carrying forward any unused budget from one period to the nex...

Since decisions concerning technology appraisal are of strategic importance to organizations, issues involved are complex and the nature of the decision is difficult to be captured and reused for future decisions in the changing technology selection environment. The proposed knowledge management framework addresses the technology selection and appraisal problem through an ontology-based approac...