Explicit Solutions for Optimal Resource Extraction Problems under Regime Switching L\'evy Models

Abstract

This paper studies the problem of optimally extracting nonrenewable natural resources. Taking into account the fact that the market values of the main natural resources i.e. oil, natural gas, copper,..., etc, fluctuate randomly following global and seasonal macroeconomic parameters, the prices of natural resources are modeled using Markov switching L\'evy processes. We formulate this optimal extraction problem as an infinite-time horizon optimal control problem. We derive closed-form solutions for the value function as well as the optimal extraction policy. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate these results.