Work

Coordinated Truck–Shovel Allocation for Heterogeneous Diesel and Electric Truck Fleets in Open-Pit Mining Using an Improved Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Efficient truck–shovel allocation is essential for optimizing open-pit mining operations, but the integration of heterogeneous diesel and electric fleets introduces complex scheduling challenges, including charging requirements, range limitations, and equipment capacity constraints. This study proposes an integrated allocation framework tailored to heterogeneous fleets, formulating a multi-objective optimization model that minimizes transportation cost and waiting time under realistic constraints. An enhanced multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm with adaptive penalty mechanisms is developed, providing superior convergence and computational efficiency compared to traditional methods. A case study demonstrates that heterogeneous fleets achieve a better trade-off, with a balanced fleet configuration reducing transportation cost by 26.1% and waiting time by 19.2% compared to pure diesel and electric fleets, respectively. Sensitivity analyses reveal that fluctuations in fuel and electricity prices reshape the trade-off, while faster charging enhances electric truck competitiveness but increases diesel idle time. These findings offer practical insights for configuring heterogeneous fleets and adapting scheduling strategies in dynamic energy and technology environments, supporting sustainable mining operations.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152413284

Authors: Gang Chen, Yuning Shi, Huabo Lu, Xuaner Lin, Xiaolei Ma

Institutions: State Power Investment Corporation (China), Beihang University

Language: English

Topic: Mining Techniques and Economics

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896