Strata said its HazardAvert proximity system had already been installed on 16 shuttlecars at the mine near Beckley as well as on three of 12 scoops.

Before the end of the year, HazardAvert will be placed on eight continuous miners at the operation as well as the remaining scoop fleet.

Strata has also been offering operator training to the Affinity crew on proximity use and the components of the system.

United had already reported increases in productivity uptime and safety in the areas where HazardAvert was in use, Strata officials said.

“We’re really excited about the technology advancements Strata has made to their proximity systems and have been very impressed with its reliability,” United CEO Michael Zervos said.

“I believe that this technology represents the next quantum leap in preventing fatalities and other serious injuries caused by underground mining equipment.”

Zervos said United intended to be the first to install proximity protection technology on all major mining equipment.

“United Coal has had the forethought and taken the proactive approach to safety by installing proximity detection on its machinery before any government mandate,” Strata COO Mike Berube said.

“We have had a very positive experience working with United Coal staff in actuating this project and have completed installs at the mine surface, rebuild shops and underground in a very short amount of time.”

Going forward, the company plans to install HazardAvert on all of its mobile fleet throughout its mines, including Affinity as well as Carter Roag Coal Company, Wellmore Coal Company and Pocahontas Coal Company.

Strata and United anticipate that portion of the project to be underway early in 2014.