Following an agreement signed with Seeing Machines last year, Cloud Peak will deploy nine driver safety solution units across three sites, starting with the Cordero Rojo open pit.

A rollout of about 70 haul trucks equipped with DSS units may follow providing a successful trial period.

Seeing Machines describes its DSS software as an automatic platform that uses face tracking techniques to deliver information on operator fatigue and operator distraction.

DSS was designed specifically for deployment into vehicles and environments where fatigue and inattention need to be monitored and managed.

The vehicle system measures the eyelid opening of the driver and based on the data, derives the drowsiness state.

No sensors need to be worn by the driver as a remote sensor on the dashboard observes the driver’s face and measures eyelid closure.

There is also no calibration procedure required for new drivers, which means any driver can get behind the wheel without any time-consuming calibration, sensor attachment process or any special knowledge about the system.

Cordero Rojo mined and shipped about 39.5 million tons of low-sulfur coal last year.