Step 1: Recall the shovel--dumper combination.
In surface mining, the productivity of the shovel--dumper system depends on proper matching between the loading equipment and the haulage equipment.
Step 2: Identify the governing factors.
The optimum dumper size is selected considering
\[
\boxed{
\text{the haul distance and the size (capacity) of the shovel}.
}
\]
These factors ensure maximum productivity and minimum waiting time.
Hence,
\[
\boxed{(C)}
\]
is the correct answer.