Current energy-saving strategies in coal mining tend to involve improvements in technology (e.g. improving engine performance). Energy consumption monitoring and reporting emphasizes system performance without regard to operating conditions. However, there is evidence that operator practices and mine operating conditions significantly affect energy consumption. For instance, simulation experiments conducted by Awuah-Offei (2009) suggest that an electric shovel operator who operates near optimal with a 58 yd3 bucket can save over $114,000/year in electricity costs for the digging cycle alone, when compared to an average operator. Other research shows that