This system provides real-time operations and maintenance data, while the project also signed up to Wenco's maintenance monitor, MobileST and associated dispatching applications plus the BenchManager dozer and shovel system.

Mining Magazine, a fellow Aspermont publication, reported that Wenco said its system was picked at least partly due to its easy integration with original equipment manufacturer and third-party systems.

Wenco sales manager Rod Tayler said the company was excited to be in business with Whitehaven.

“They play an important role in Australia's mining industry and we look forward to getting on board with them,” he said.

Last month the $767 million Maules Creek project was considered more than 50% complete and on track for first coal exports to be railed in March 2015.

The open cut project is targeting a rate of 6 million tonnes per annum of coal production over the first 12 months and has approval to ramp up to 13Mtpa run of mine.