Tag Archives: Immersive Technologies

OceanaGold’s Haile mine boosts productivity with Immersive simulator

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OceanaGold’s Haile gold mine in the US is investing in its employee and community development with an Immersive Technologies operator training solution that, Immersive says, supports the company’s strategy to maximise mining potential and continuously ensure safe, eco-friendly practices.

By modernising the technologies and tools available for training, the mine is expecting multiple stakeholder groups to benefit. The simulator includes Conversion Kits® (interchangeable cab modules) for Sandvik TH663 underground trucks and Sandvik LH517i loaders for underground operation. It also supports conversion kits for Komatsu PC4000-6 loaders and 730E haul trucks for the surface mine.

Simulator training allows operators to be trained and assessed without the need to borrow machines from production, Immersive says. This allows trainees to practice many skills, including safe machine operation before being placed into a live mining environment.

“Because operators are consistently shown and assessed on the proper operating techniques, they have a better understanding and knowledge of the real machine, they also burn no fuel during the training process learn to operate their machinery with behaviours that maximise fuel efficiency,” the company says. “This type of training can also extend the life of the mining equipment, resulting in less consumption of parts and in higher machine availability.”

David Londoño, Chief Operating Officer at Oceanagold Corporation, said: “The addition of the training simulator aligns with our commitment to providing Haile Gold Mine operators with the best tools and resources. It offers a new dimension to our training approach by allowing us to create real-world conditions while empowering our operators to enhance their skills and make informed decisions in a controlled environment.”

The mine is already seeing benefits from the training solution. Spot times under the shovel have improved 10.08% resulting in greater haulage productivity and the damage from brake system misuse has dropped by 65% resulting in less machine down time, according to Immersive.

Adam Norris, Regional Vice President – North America at Immersive Technologies, said: “The commitment from Haile Gold Mine to invest in their people is now continuing into their underground expansion project. We look forward to supporting them to achieve sustainable results for years to come.”

Immersive reflects on 30 years of equipment simulator and training success

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

From humble beginnings producing computer-based training for companies like BHP, Caltex, WesTrac and Macmahon, Immersive Technologies is now able to reflect on 30 years of advanced equipment simulator and training solutions.

By the mid 1990s and with only seven staff, the business was on a journey to develop the world’s first Advanced Equipment Simulator (the AES Series – 1, pictured above) for the mining industry.

The first commercial simulator was exhibited at the Diggers and Dealers Conference (Kalgoorlie, Western Australia) in 1998. The business opportunities exploded and the next two sales were overseas to Kaltim Prima Coal, Indonesia, and Geita Gold, in Tanzania, the company said. Soon after another “first” was launched with Immersive’s mining excavator range and then the “first” mining wheel loader simulator was delivered. In 2005, the first Dragline simulator was produced.

By the end of 2006, the business had sold 85 simulators in 17 countries and, by 2008, 155 simulators in 23 countries. By 2010, the underground range was released, and the business had customers in 29 countries. By 2016, Immersive’s exports reached mines in 40 countries.

“Fast forward to today, Immersive Technologies products and services are trusted by hundreds of mine sites across 49 countries and we are still driven by our passion to provide innovative and valuable workforce solutions,” the company said. “Having delivered over 560 simulator platforms and 1,400 Conversion Kits, simulating 22 different mining OEMs, our solutions to industry challenges are much broader than just simulator technology.”

Immersive’s PRO5 – Advanced Equipment Simulator equipped with 3D stereoscopic display and professional grade visual system

Immersive says its service and advisory expertise is extensive with a portfolio of work that delivers quantifiable value in mine safety, productivity, reliability and sustainability. As advancements in mine technology create new training needs, it develops new learning technologies to support operators and supervisors running collision avoidance and autonomous haulage solutions, in addition to Immersive’s collaboration with Komatsu in the area of tele-operation of mining machines.

“It has been our privilege to respond with agility to the needs and voice of our customers and to earn the mining industry’s trust,” the company said. “Throughout our 30 years in business and into the future, it is our partnership with you that drives us forward.”

Immersive Technologies equips EPSA with simulator program to train up truck operators in Saudi Arabia

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Immersive Technologies and earthmoving contractor EPSA have partnered on a new simulator training program in Saudi Arabia for community workforce development at a phosphate project.

The two companies, who have been involved in a number of joint community workforce development projects in the past, are pursuing a Komatsu HD785-7 truck simulator training program with a focus to enhance operational readiness and support EPSA’s strategy to train a growing Saudi Arabian workforce.

For the majority of operators, the simulator training program represented the first opportunity to get behind the controls and gain hands-on equipment operating experience, according to Immersive.

“Simulation provides a safe and risk-free environment to not only build basic machine operation skills, but also specific techniques related to safety, machine care and production optimisation,” it said. “One of the main project objectives was to streamline the training process at EPSA mining operations to ensure long-term operator productivity and reduced risks associated with newly developed workforces.”

Deploying simulation technology has, according to Immersive, aided in EPSA maintaining a level of zero percentage of lost time injuries from the project’s start and has also helped EPSA reach Saudization milestones with more than 80% of the current haulage operators being Saudi Arabian.

Mahfoud Snacel Training Manager of EPSA (pictured on the left with Lucas Natoli, Regional Manager for Immersive Technologies in Europe & Middle East, on the right), said: “EPSA aim to deliver a high degree of equipment availability and production levels for our mines. We also have an ongoing focus on improving safety. Our partnership with Immersive Technologies has helps us prepare workforces to meet these goals and to support a culture of safety and benefit to all workers.”

Johan Stemmet, Regional Vice President – EMEA & CIS for Immersive Technologies, added: “Immersive Technologies is fully committed to supporting EPSA’s strategic workforce development strategy. This includes ensuring the mining communities have the right people, process and technology to develop safe and productive workforces.”

EPSA also uses workforce development solutions at Isaac Downs in Queensland, Australia, and have acquired two PRO5 Simulators at its open-cut coal mine in Australia.

PT. Putra Perkasa Abadi starts training operators with Immersive PRO5 simulator

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PT. Putra Perkasa Abadi (PT. PPA) has became the first company in Indonesia to incorporate Immersive Technologies’ PRO5 Advanced Equipment Simulator technology, with the first two of four units commissioned in the PPA office at the PT Multi Harapan Utama mine site.

Launched at MINExpo 2021, the PRO5 Advanced Equipment Simulator set a new benchmark in realism, reliability and training value for operator training technology, according to Immersive.

A commissioning celebration and handover was carried out by Edwin Trisnohadi, Regional Vice President Immersive Technologies Asia & Indonesia region, and Director of PT. PPA, R. Teguh Sapto Subroto. Also present at the event were Sunaryo, Head of PPA Academy, and Teddy Ramdani, Customer Support Manager of PT. United Tractors, Tbk.

Equipped with a professional-grade visual system, the PRO5 is the first mining simulator to combine stereoscopic 3D, a one-piece curved display, photo-realistic graphics and RealView™ head tracking technology, according to Immersive. It delivers realism at a level not previously seen by the mining industry, according to the company, with these advancements helping new and experienced mining equipment operators develop competencies at a rapid pace, while maintaining high levels of learning retention.

Previously, in order to improve the competence of newly graduated workers, PPA’s only option was on-iron training. This takes extra time and also has safety risks. Now, these novice “green” workers can develop psychomotor skills and learn critical behaviors in a safe, simulated environment, while also reducing fuel consumption, according to the company.

PPA is a mining contractor, which, in recent years, has recorded significant growth to become the third largest contractor in the Indonesian mining industry.

The speed of growth requires an investment in the workforce and training tools to become more effective and efficient and to prepare personnel to become mine-ready. This year, PPA is targeting an additional 100 million bank cubic metres (BCM) above last year’s 267 million BCM. In order to achieve this target, an additional 3,200-3,500 operators are needed. The company also needs an additional 1,500-2,000 mechanics. PPA targets an addition of 150 million BCM next year, with another circa-6,000 mechanics and operators needed to support this.

To onboard 6,000 workers, PPA can no longer rely on outdated training techniques.

R. Teguh Sapto Subroto said: “Simulators will help us to develop personnel at a safe and steady pace, independently of disruptions such as weather conditions. We need this technology.”

Before arriving at the decision to buy four PRO5 platforms, PPA had made an in-depth study of simulation vendors and related solutions, according to Subroto. This involved proof of concept product testing from Immersive Technologies.

“The biggest challenge in workforce development is to rapidly develop quality talent with the skills to be safe and productive,” Subroto said. “If you recruit well, you will compete with others, but skill levels may remain 30% below ideal. To produce a quality workforce, you need the right tool that make humans more efficient and effective.”

The simulators will later be managed by the PPA Academy.

Ramdani said that this latest PRO5 simulator has only been available to the market for a short period of time and PPA incorporated it rapidly because of the value it could bring. “Hopefully it can help PT. PPA in building worker competencies, especially for operators,” he said. “PPA recorded the highest growth in the industry which must be balanced with the quality of qualified workforce.”

Trisnohadi explained: “This level of realism and reliability will help companies produce quality workforces and significant return on investment. Our goal is to help PPA in obtaining a world-class workforce, which ultimately would result in greater operational efficiency.

“This PRO5 simulator is the cutting-edge product from Immersive Technologies with the latest evolution of display systems. It is a combination of seamless curve screen with stereoscopic 3D technology which provides unmatched training value and highest levels of learning.”

Immersive Technologies and Liebherr renew simulator and training tech pact

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With 16 years of delivering advanced Liebherr equipment simulators for mining customers to its name, Immersive Technologies and Liebherr have chosen to renew their technical information agreement for a further five years (20 years in total), Immersive says.

Immersive Technologies has a long history of providing quantifiable return on investment to Liebherr fleet owners, it says.

The first Liebherr mining equipment simulator was developed by Immersive Technologies in 2006 for a large copper mine in Arizona and, now, dozens of mines around the globe benefit from improved production, safety, and cost-per-tonne achieved through operator skills optimisation, it says.

The solutions significantly evolved over the years to include a range of haul trucks, excavators, shovels and autonomous panel add-ons for loader operators to manage autonomous haulage trucks.  These long-standing customer relationships have shaped the requirements for high-performance simulation, it says. With the two companies focused on customer outcomes, the following results have been recently achieved by mines:

  • 11% spot time reduction (fleet management data);
  • 36% reduction in machine abuse events (fleet management data);
  • 8% instantaneous dig rate improvement (fleet management data); and
  • 100% engine fire pass rate (SimData).

“We are proud that our partnership with Liebherr will continue for another five years, by providing high-quality training technology and working closely with mining customers we continue to significantly improve the safety and profitability of mines,” David Anderson, CEO of Immersive Technologies, said.

Immersive Technologies continues to support Liebherr fleet owners with simulator solutions

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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.”

Komatsu to display power-agnostic dump truck, autonomous haulage retrofit vision at MINExpo

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To help support its customers’ sustainability targets while prioritising safety and productivity, Komatsu is to focus on “creating value together” in its 48,000-sq.ft (4,459 sq.m) booth at MINExpo 2021, in Las Vegas, USA, where the company plans to unveil its latest solutions for surface and underground mining operations.

Jeff Dawes, President and CEO of Komatsu Mining Corp and chairperson of MINExpo 2021, said: “MINExpo provides the perfect opportunity for industry leaders to collaborate on new ways to extract essential minerals at this critical time for our society. Supporting our customers’ path forward with new solutions that leverage digitalisation, electrification and automation is crucial to our role as an essential provider to the industry, and we look forward to sharing these innovations developed in partnership with today’s mines.”

The company’s latest haulage concepts, designed to prioritise customers’ desire to reduce emissions and for autonomous haulage solutions, will be on display; revealing Komatsu’s future vision for power-agnostic dump trucks and autonomous haulage retrofits for existing equipment. Komatsu will also preview future capabilities for remote operation of equipment featuring hydraulic excavators and autonomous haulage.

Other new Komatsu solutions designed to advance more sustainable mining methods that will be on display during the event – from September 13-15 – include:

  • The WE1850 Gen 3 surface wheel loader (pictured) with proven SR (Switched Reluctance) hybrid drive technology;
  • ZR122 surface blasthole drill with automated features;
  • Battery hauler for underground mining powered by lithium-ion battery technology;
  • Battery-tram powered ZJ32Bi jumbo drill for underground hard-rock mining; and
  • Underground hard-rock drilling and bolting retrofits compatible with all major and most other OEMs.

Created with input from customers around the world, the company’s latest equipment, service and technology solutions are designed to simplify tasks, streamline processes and – ultimately – help optimise customers’ entire enterprise, Komatsu said.

“Recognising that the path forward will not look the same for every operation, Komatsu is here to support customers at each stage of their journey toward a more sustainable future,” it added. “Company representatives will be available in the booth to consult with attendees and collaborate on new solutions.”

The Komatsu booth will debut the company’s unified and expanded mining offerings, with additional solutions highlighted at neighbouring booths for Modular Mining, a Komatsu technology brand, and Immersive Technologies and Hensley Industries, Komatsu subsidiaries.

Immersive to supply simulators, solutions for Rio’s Gudai-Darri automation

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Rio Tinto has enlisted the help of Immersive Technologies and its equipment simulators to further its autonomous haulage footprint at the new Gudai-Darri iron ore mine in Western Australia.

The mine, which will operate Caterpillar autonomous trucks equipped with Cat MineStar™ Command for Hauling system, will use simulation-based training solutions from Immersive Technologies to address the workforce development challenges within autonomous haulage operations with a focus on improving the safety and efficiency of their operator workforce, Immersive said.

Rio has used such systems from Immersive for over 17 years, understanding the value of investing in simulators for operator capability development, including equipment productivity and reliability initiatives, Immersive said.

Rio Tinto Vice President, Human Resources, Scott Browne, said: “This is an important component of our comprehensive training program for AHS, which includes supporting new team members as well as upskilling existing employees. Gudai-Darri will be one of the world’s most technologically advanced mines. Preparations are well under way to ensure its workforce is ready to take on the high-tech jobs on offer.”

Focused on capability development in the usage of the autonomous system, Rio Tinto partnered with Immersive Technologies to provide a solution to support the mine-readiness schedule and objectives, Immersive said. Specific training products include a platform which simulates a Cat 6060 excavator, Cat D10T dozer and Cat 18M grader. All simulator modules are equipped with an autonomous system panel and provide a safe and effective environment for training by allowing learners to operate their equipment while interacting with the autonomous trucks and managing their work areas as required, the company added.

The simulator solution is complimented by machine pre-start inspection software, which provides a detailed visualisation of equipment components, including autonomous components fitted to machines. Additionally, a ‘Virtual Classroom’ product hosts complex autonomous procedures that immerses learners in a safe and repeatable virtual environment which enables the development of deep knowledge and muscle memory of operational procedures, Immersive said.

Greg Karadjian, Regional Vice President Australia of Immersive, said: “Immersive Technologies is at the forefront of workforce development for autonomous haulage mining operations with deployments of simulation-based training solutions in more than 17 autonomous sites globally, by utilising blended learning systems, simulation and human performance analytics our solutions are preparing the workforces of the future.”

Back in 2019, Rio, Caterpillar and WesTrac signed an agreement to supply and support mining machines, automation and enterprise technology systems at Gudai-Darri, with Rio confirming the supply of a fleet of 20 autonomous 793F trucks as well as four autonomous blast drills.

Gudai-Darri will deliver a new production hub for Rio Tinto’s iron ore business in the Pilbara. Once complete, the mine will have an annual capacity of 43 Mt, underpinning production of the Pilbara Blend, Rio’s flagship iron ore product.

Immersive to deliver training simulator to Newmont Ahafo gold mine

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Immersive Technologies is to deliver its 100th Conversion Kit® for Caterpillar® equipment owners within the continent of Africa, with the milestone high-fidelity operator training simulator set for the Newmont-majority owned Ahafo gold mine, in Ghana.

The order includes simulation for training operators of the 777G and 785C haul trucks, D11T dozers, and 6030 shovels and excavators. These units mark the 98th, 99th, 100th and 101st conversion kits that Immersive Technologies has delivered to further workforce development initiatives in the Africa region for mines who require high-fidelity simulation solutions for their Caterpillar equipment, it said.

Johan Stemmet, Regional Vice President Africa, said: “We are excited to provide a high level of value and service to Newmont for this important mining project by supporting community skills development and increasing operator safety and productivity levels. We continue to put the customer first and deliver industry-endorsed solutions for all OEM makes as evidenced by our leading market share across the largest global miners.”

Zeppelin and Immersive Technologies partner on Navoi Cat truck training program

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Zeppelin International, one of the largest Caterpillar dealers in Europe and the CIS region, has partnered with Immersive Technologies to provide comprehensive training for both “green” and experienced personnel operating a range of Caterpillar truck models within Navoi Mining & Metallurgical Combine’s (NMMC) gold mining sites in Uzbekistan.

This marks the 45th country globally to use Immersive Technologies’ workforce optimisation training solutions, the Komatsu-owned company said.

“Simulator-based training establishes a safe environment for experienced operators to expand their expertise, and a risk-free arena for entry level operators to start developing their skills,” Immersive Technology said.

Zeppelin International has also acquired Immersive Technologies Custom Mine Site (CMS) technology to further train those unacquainted with the new machinery in a familiar training environment. The program will aid in increasing workforce optimisation in the areas of production efficiency and operational safety, while ensuring operators are confident and highly productive when they enter actual site operations, Immersive said.

“CMS allows detailed focus to be placed on training requirements specific to each site such as landmarks, specific mine site road rules and environmental conditions,” the company said. “Curriculum tailoring to target specific learning outcomes is managed effortlessly with the support of Immersive Technologies Professional Services, delivered on site via specialist training experts.”

Stanislav Kondratenko, Technical Director of Zeppelin Central Asia Machinery LLC, said: “At Zeppelin, we have high expectations from Immersive Technologies based on previous results and experiences. They have successfully completed the installation development and will be providing professional services to increase production efficiency and overall safety for the mine site. Utilising this technology and targeted curriculum will aid in increasing output from Navoi’s current headcount.”

Oleg Lyutyy, Business Development Advisor at Immersive Technologies, said: “Immersive has been developing and delivering training solutions for Caterpillar equipment for over 27 years. Our IM360 Simulator and Conversion Kits® for CAT® truck models, will provide the ultimate simulation for Zeppelin and the Navoi mine site to optimise production output and safety. This is yet another example of the successful collaboration between Immersive Technologies and OEM dealers around the world.”

Zeppelin has also acquired the TrainerAdvantage™ certification program that includes classroom and hands-on sessions working with the simulator under the instruction of an Immersive Technologies Certified Instructor.

Immersive’s Regional Vice President of EMEA & CIS, Johan Stemmet, said: “Innovation is the future. Production optimisation is unthinkable without innovative technologies. I look forward to seeing how the introduction of this level of training increases productivity and safety for Zeppelin International and Navoi NMMC.”