SIMULATORS
trends. We find that training at mines often
remains the mine’s responsibility, thereby
ensuring standardisation of process and
qualification, particularly where the contract
miners are supplementing an owner-operated
workforce.” He adds: An area where we have
noted a significant upward trend is amongst the
OEMs. With simulation now very much in the
mainstream of mine operations, the OEMs are
increasingly seeing simulation as a
differentiating ‘value-add’ to their primary
equipment offering.”
However, Arevalo told IM on contractors:
“Production variance can quickly erode the profit
margins for any contractor, and Immersive
Technologies solutions have long been employed
mining contractors to manage that risk. Early
adopters such as Downer, Leighton, MacMahon,
and Thiess have long used Immersive
Technologies solutions across their surface
operations. With Immersive Technologies now
firmly established in the underground mining
market, we are now seeing similar successes
with underground contractors such as AUMS,
Barminco, Byrnecut and La Cantera.”
Ancillary equipment simulators
While simulators have long been offered for the
primary fleet – drills, trucks and shovels on
surface and drills, LHDs and trucks underground
– what about the myriad of ancillaries? This
includes everything from graders to water trucks
to explosive charging vehicles and utility and
maintenance machines. Should these products
not also benefit from operators trained up on
advanced simulators as well? Immersive’s
Arevalo states: “Immersive Technologies starts
every engagement with our customers
considering how we will generate a quantified
Return On Investment from any of our
deployments. Now that simulation-based training
has become normalised in mechanised mining, it
is not unusual for us to be presented with
requests for new simulators of an ancillary
nature. However, many of these do not move
forward because of the inability to measure what
the quantified ROI will look like. In these
circumstances, it is not unusual to see
manufacturers subsidise the development of
simpler simulation products, that focus on
delivering basic competence at a reduced cost.”
Mendes at ThoroughTec stated: “Simulation of
ancillary or support fleet equipment is usually a
function of mine size and thus budget, and
generally far more prevalent in the underground
market, where such equipment plays a greater
role in ensuring safety of operations. That said,
we have many surface mining clients who have,
over time realised the benefits that simulators
have brought to their production equipment and
are now looking to emulate this success across
30 International Mining | DECEMBER 2018
their entire equipment fleet. As a company, a
large measure of our growth and market
dominance is as a result of our willingness to
develop these, sometimes weird and wonderful
machines in order to satisfy the unique
requirements of our clients. Interestingly, some
of these ‘second tier’ machines are actually
significantly more complex to operate than run-
of-the-mill load and haul machines, and
therefore require more training time to master.”
Immersive bolsters African presence
After what is says was a “stellar year of adding
new customers, renewing significant support
contracts and world class customer results from
across the region,” Immersive Technologies has
substantially increased investment to support
the African market. The expansion has already
deployed more African Training Advisors and
In 2018, dozens of Immersive Technologies
simulators and Conversion Kits have been
deployed to both surface and underground
mining operations
Embedded Trainers, along with a growing
Simulator rental fleet and investments in new
products targeted to support African customers.
“Africa has always been one of our strongest
markets, but the success and growth we are
seeing has made it priority for focused
expansion. We’ve developed new products and
services specifically suited to many African
customers and seeing their success over the past
few years has led to our strategic attention for
further growth,” says Peter Salfinger, CEO,
Immersive Technologies.
In 2018, dozens of simulators and Conversion
Kits have been deployed to both surface and
Concrete spraying is a fundamental aspect of tunnelling and underground mining work, affording
quick entrance to the site under safe conditions. Appropriately trained operators are of vital
importance for this: a poor application technique not only generates unnecessary material waste
through rebound, but can also compromise the structural integrity of the site, and thus jeopardise
safety. Putzmeister offers a simulation-based shotcrete operator course for both new and experienced
shotcrete operators that want to further their shotcrete application skills in a safe environment.
Simulators allow for the unlimited practice of concrete spraying without actually incurring any extra
costs related to the incorrect use of material, whether of shotcrete or the equipment itself