Tag Archives: David Anderson

Immersive banks training solution contracts in USA, Canada, Chile, Indonesia

Careers in mining, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, ,

In the June and September quarters of 2024, Immersive Technologies secured contracts to provide workforce training solutions for four significant underground mining projects in the US, Canada, Chile and Indonesia.

These solutions encompass machine simulation, digital learning technologies including virtual reality, 3D virtual machines and training program development.

Immersive Technologies says it is dedicated to delivering quantifiable returns on investment for mining customers through improved operator skills and reduced performance variance. It also provide essential technology integration and change management services.

David Anderson, Immersive Technologies CEO, said: “Immersive Technologies recognises the strategic importance of underground mining and has increased its investment in new Conversion Kit® development for a growing range of underground machines. We also launched a new “Premium” simulator platform optimised for underground applications at MINExpo 2024, positioned alongside new digital learning technologies to address the specific needs of underground customers.

“Underground mining is growing fast and 2024 has delivered new strategic customers which validates our increased underground research and development investment over the last few years. We see strong future growth in line with the projected growth of underground operations.”

The simulator Conversion Kits and digital learning products are designed to enhance learning retention and rapidly develop skills for both new and experienced operators. New developments include training technologies for the following machines:

  • Sandvik DD422i jumbo drill;
  • Sandvik DS422i cable bolter;
  • Sandvik (Artisan) A4 LHD;
  • Sandvik LH411iB, LH514E, LH518B LHDs;
  • Sandvik Miner Borer MF460;
  • Epiroc Simba M4 C production drill;
  • DynaBolter V2 roof bolter;
  • DynaBolter V3 roof bolter;
  • Komatsu 12HM27 continuous miner;
  • Komatsu 12HM46 continuous miner;
  • Komatsu BH-20 battery hauler; and
  • Cat® R1700K LHD.

Immersive Technologies launches ‘world first’ underground mining simulator at MINExpo

Careers in mining, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , ,

The Immersive Technologies IM360+ is, this week, being unveiled for the first time publicly at MINExpo 2024, in Las Vegas, along with never before seen visual system innovations to drive value for underground miners, the company says.

This solution is designed for underground miners, who often face unique challenges in equipment operator training.

Equipped with a best-in-class visual system, the IM360+ is the first underground mining simulator to combine stereoscopic 3D, photo-realistic graphics and RealView™ head tracking technology, Immersive claims. “The IM360+ delivers realism and training value at a level not previously seen by the underground mining industry,” it added.

The platform builds on the success of previous Immersive Technologies platforms that have trained over 250,000 mining equipment operators across 51 countries.

Immersive says the IM360+ offers:

  • High Fidelity – class-defining 3D stereoscopic display system with true to life graphics delivers depth perception and sensory immersion at the highest levels possible;
  • Reliability & asset life – designed to operate continuously in harsh mining environments, the IM360+ uses professional-grade components with extremely high uptime. The platform is based on the most durable design in mining simulation that has a proven asset life of 10-plus years.
  • Training Value – providing best-in-class training value and continuous improvement capability, the IM360+ incorporates new technologies designed to increase training retention and trainer efficiency. Mine owners and contractors can expect the highest level of skills transfer to the job in the shortest time possible, creating real operational value, Immersive says; and
  • Safety & Comfort – the IM360+ incorporates best-in-class safety and comfort with air conditioning and heating capacity for the most extreme environments, zero trip ultra-low profile motion platform, and positive pressure airflow system to prevent dust entering from the mining environment.

David Anderson, CEO, Immersive Technologies, said: “Our close collaboration with mining companies paired with our extensive mining technology experience is a catalyst for innovation to solve real mining challenges. At MINExpo 2021 we launched the PRO5 for surface mining and the uptake has been massive due to the training value of stereoscopic 3D and true to life graphics. We knew that underground miners needed a similar capability, so we launched the IM360+ at MINExpo 2024. This is another big step towards our mission to make resource companies measurably safer and more profitable.”

Immersive says its Advanced Equipment Simulators are the mining industry’s benchmark solution for operator training and workforce optimisation. These platforms have verified real results from the likes of BHP, Rio Tinto, Vale, Glencore, Barrick, Newmont, Freeport-McMoRan and Anglo American.

Flight Safety Foundation helping miners assess drone risks

Automation, Mine surveying, Mining industry recognition, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , , ,

Flight Safety Foundation’s Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) Program, working in collaboration with some of the world’s largest mining and resource companies, has developed the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Audit and Registration Program to, it says, provide the industry with a more efficient means of monitoring, assessing, and analysing risks associated with RPAS.

With airspace more accessible than ever and RPAS technology outpacing many legal and safety frameworks, there is an urgent need for greater oversight of RPAS operations to ensure the safety of those living and working around them, Flight Safety Foundation said.

The RPAS Audit and Registration Program will help businesses manage RPAS risks more efficiently and effectively through a variety of measures, including detailed reporting of events and information sharing.

Flight Safety Foundation, meanwhile, is an independent, international and impartial non-profit that exists to champion the cause of aviation safety, it says. The foundation established the BARS Program in 2010 to review aviation operators providing aviation services to the resources and other sectors.

“An RPAS Audit using registered BARS Audit Companies and accredited RPAS Auditors provides evaluation of operations and technical management systems of an RPAS operator,” it said. “It is a comprehensive audit with the objective of clearly articulating and verifying what procedures, processes and systems the RPAS operator has in place to mitigate risk.”

David Anderson, BARS Program Director, said RPAS are critical to business operations for a range of sectors and used within a multitude of operations enabling data collection, enhancing security, and improving productivity.

“However, with new technology comes new risks, and RPAS-related accidents and incidents can result in expensive damage to property and infrastructure, as well as injuries and even fatalities,” he said.

As part of the program, a global data analysis program will record knowledge and intelligence on the hazards and risks associated with the use of RPAS vehicles. This information will be used to ensure the appropriate controls within the audit standard are in place, updated and effective.

Dr Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO of the Foundation, said: “Enabling organisations to more effectively mitigate risk is critical to continually improving the safety and reliability of their RPAS operations. In addition, the adoption of a global standard should result in a broad safety improvement across the sector.”

Anderson added: “The BARS Program is proud to be a part of this ongoing investment in improving safety within the contracted aviation industry.”

Immersive Technologies continues to support Liebherr fleet owners with simulator solutions

Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software, , , ,

Immersive Technologies says it is celebrating 15 years of providing “workforce optimisation solutions” to Liebherr fleet owners.

The company has a strong history of supporting mining customers in the development of safe and productive equipment operators, and, over the past 15 years, Immersive says it has brought the most effective and efficient Liebherr simulator training solutions to mines across the world.

In 2006, Immersive Technologies developed the first Liebherr T282 haul truck simulator for a large mine in the US. Rapidly thereafter the product range expanded to support a large range of hydraulic shovels, backhoes and additional haul trucks.

The largest end user of the Liebherr simulator range have been the Tier 1 Western Australia iron ore mines, while the Liebherr equipment simulators have also produced significant benefit to mines in 14 other countries, including multiple Global Business Improvement Award winners.

Some recent examples of customer value realised by training operators with the Immersive Technologies solution include an 11% spot time reduction, a 36% reduction in machine abuse events and an 8% instantaneous dig rate improvement.

David Anderson, CEO Immersive Technologies, said: “It is our continual focus on customer outcomes which has produced quantifiable return on investment for many Liebherr fleet owners across the mining industry. We are proud to support these mines, many of whom operate mixed fleets and benefit from our all makes all models approach.”

Russia equipment simulator training demand on the rise, Immersive says

Careers in mining, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, , , , , , , , ,

Immersive Technologies says it has seen strong demand from mining companies in Russia for its tailored workforce development solutions as equipment sales have risen in the past six years.

The proportion of global mining equipment being deployed in Russia was 22% in 2018, compared with 9% in 2012, with regional growth of 13% over the past six years, according to Immersive.

“As a result, the industry is demanding more skilled personnel,” Immersive said.

In line with this industry growth, Immersive is experiencing a surge in simulator and service sales, which have been proven to achieve safety and productivity improvements throughout all stages of the mining cycle, according to Immersive.

David Anderson, Executive Vice President – Sales and Support at Immersive Technologies, said: “It is an exciting time for mining in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). We are proud to support this region in delivering the safest and most profitable operators.

Immersive highlighted some results from this growth, with the following four customer case studies:

First, Vostochnaya Technica, a long-time customer, is implementing an Immersive simulator as a key part of delivering “mine assessments” to their customers, Immersive said. It is using a PRO4 Surface Mining simulator at one of the SUEK mine sites to improve truck and excavator operator behaviours. “The simulator will then move to a new mine site to assess truck operators and to make clear recommendations on equipment usage with the expected result of quantified productivity improvements,” Immersive said.

Second, a continuous improvement project aimed at enhancing operator skills is underway at Norilsk Nickel. Upon conclusion, the goal is to increase productivity, decrease cycle times, and reduce operator variability. The initial project focuses on underground LHDs but will likely expand to other equipment including bolters, according to Immersive.

Third, Komatsu CIS, in the Kuzbass region, will be using simulation to train new operators, along with assessing experienced operators to improve their skills. “Immersive Technologies will be providing support via our Training Advisor Team to meet their requirements and tailor curricula to their specific needs,” the company said.

And, finally, KAZ Minerals has engaged Immersive Technologies to deliver a training solution which includes multiple IM360-B transportable simulators, interchangeable modules and supporting products and services like Pre-Start Inspection, Instructor Led Training and Training Systems Integration. “As part of this technology and services solution, the Immersive Technologies’ Training Advisor Team is providing support to facilitate the simulation training process to ensure training objectives are achieved,” Immersive said.

Anderson concluded: “Russia and the CIS will continue to be a key market attracting increased investment from Immersive Technologies, over the coming years. We will be there to support the industry growth and needs of our customers.”