Successful implementation of a knowledge based, smelter operations scheduling system at the Palabora Mine in South Africa

Summarises work done by RTZ´s ITSU in applying knowledge based technology to the management of a copper smelter, and the SCHEDEX system that evolved from this. Particular emphasis is given to the way in which the technology was introduced into the operations environment, the benefits of using a participative approach and `soft systems´ perspective in the analysis and design process, and the necessity of understanding the issues within a holistic context. Development and implementation of SCHEDEX was not problem-free, but provided some valuable learning experiences which can be built on in the future