Tag Archives: IM360

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

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.

AUMS invests in more Immersive Technologies simulators

African Underground Mining Services (AUMS), a Barminco and Ausdrill 50:50 joint venture contract mining firm, has made further investment in simulators from Immersive Technologies after seeing successful results from the installation of previous training units.

The company has placed additional orders to increase its training capacity, including Professional Services to support the technology integration, Immersive said.

It comes after AUMS saw results from its initial deployment of two IM360 Simulator Platforms with Conversion Kits for Sandvik long hole drills, jumbo drills, LHDs and trucks, along with Conversion Kits for Cat trucks and LHDs.

Scott Miller, AUMS Group Environmental Health, Safety & Transportation Manager, said: “We are committed to investing into quality training that can be applied across new projects. We use the local workforce and the ability to train them using simulators has proven to be a vital part of on-boarding and continual improvement.”

AUMS provides a structured training programme using simulator technology to optimise the training process for inexperienced heavy equipment operators, according to Immersive.

“This structured approach extends to their Train the Trainer programme where, in mutual collaboration with Immersive Technologies, an annual TrainerAdvantage™ training session was conducted over a two-week period at the Immersive Technologies head office in Perth,” the company said.

Simon Vellianitis, Immersive Technologies, Regional Manager, said: “Training is important to AUMS and they have shown how that dedication can equate to dollars. We are proud to see the results they have achieved and honoured with their continued investment.”

Earlier this year, Ausdrill acquired Barminco in a deal that valued Barminco’s equity at A$271.5 million