Vale’s S11D iron ore project in Canaã dos Carajás, Pará, Brazil is a truckless mine due to start production this year. S11D will be one of the biggest mines in the world and this new production method requires an advanced solution for operator training. Immersive will provide high-tech simulators for mining equipment and customized virtual training environments for loading machine operators, enabling the incorporation of new procedures to ensure a safe and productive operation.
So, unlike traditional mines, S11D will be a truckless operation that will use Immersive Technologies simulators to train operators in a more productive and safely way in a unique environment.
“This simulation tool is extremely powerful, because besides empowering people in the equipment operation with high performance and low cost, it also provides training in situations of high risk of accident which would be inadvisable in a real operation,” said José Carlos Ramos – Mining Operations Specialist, Vale Ferrous.
The truckless system represents a significant change in the role and expertise of the loading equipment operators. This required a custom Immersive Technologies training solution, the company reports. “In conventional mining operations, the trucks are positioned carefully to suit the loading equipment, but when operating with mobile crushers it requires auxiliary equipment to move the crushers, which remain static during the loading operation. Through advanced training methods using the latest technology simulators, operators will be prepared for the new challenges of productivity and safety.”
“Truckless mining is definitely something the industry is paying attention to and just like any new method the training element is a large consideration of the deployment. We’ve worked closely with customers and the leading OEM’s for 20+ years building our capability to be in a position to deliver the best solutions. This is a unique development and we are pleased to partner with VALE to prepare the safest and most productive operators at S11D,” says César Guerra, Regional Vice President – Latin America, Immersive Technologies.
With customized scenarios, simulators used by Vale facilitate the development and implementation of correct procedures for truckless system excavators loading, adequate positioning and effective management, where through the capture and data analysis it will be possible to develop and optimize new operator skills and competence.