Fatigue has long been recognised as a significant safety issue across many industries, including mining.

At Las Bambas many employees are tasked with operating mobile equipment as part of their jobs. Some of these roles include the drivers who transport copper concentrate from the site to a rail transfer station and to the Port of Matarani, haul truck drivers who move ore from the mine to the primary crusher, and bus drivers who transport people to and from the mine.

Given the focus required to remain safe when driving, all drivers need to be mentally and physically fit. One challenging factor which is unique to Las Bambas is the site’s location at high altitude, which can impact sleep quality and a person’s ability to have uninterrupted sleep.

MMG manages fatigue through site-specific Fatigue Management Plans which include controls for fatigue detection and prevention. In 2017 MMG took steps to implement a consistent approach to fatigue management across all sites by implementing a standardised, company-endorsed fatigue detection technology. All sites now use the same technology whenever a driving role is assessed to be at high risk of fatigue.

In addition to implementing standardised technology across its operations, MMG has reviewed its approach to fatigue prevention. ‘High fatigue risk’ drivers at Las Bambas are now assigned accommodation that maximises the potential for uninterrupted sleep.

While MMG is taking significant practical steps to manage the risk of fatigue, the most important step is effective engagement and communication. Reducing the risks of fatigue is most effective when the company and the operator work together. This means that all employees must understand the risks associated with fatigue as well as their role in managing risks such as feeling comfortable to ‘raise their hand’ and alert their supervisor or colleagues, when they feel they may be suffering from fatigue.