SURFACE LOADING
electric motor specifications . This conversion extended their lifespan by an additional 60,000 hours whilst boosting their performance by 15 % due to the new specifications . Presently , the mine site operates more than a dozen PC8000 units equipped with electric drive .
A final point on electric excavators and reliability with longevity – KGM currently has more than a dozen electric units with over 100,000 hours of operation , still running . This means conversion to electric after 30,000 or even 60,000 hours can still bring a valuable additional life to the machine independently of the emissions reduction argument . Overall KGM has more than 260 electric excavators running which have accumulated over 12.7 million electric operating hours .
Immersive Technologies ' electric rope shovel simulators
Today , Immersive Technologies has workforce development solutions deployed in over 360 mines , with numerous customers utilising electric rope shovel conversion kits for operator screening , new-hire onboarding , and experienced operator optimisation . Following the acquisitions of P & H by Komatsu and Bucyrus by Caterpillar in the 2010s , Immersive has continued to be an allmakes , all-models supplier by developing training solutions and conversion kit modules for all manufacturers . Over 20 years ago , Immersive pioneered high-fidelity mining simulation for rope shovels by delivering a Bucyrus 495 simulator cabin to a customer in the oil sands of Canada .
Immersive ’ s latest electric rope shovel simulator developments include the Komatsu ( P & H ) 2800XPC and Komatsu ( P & H ) 4800XPC . Both simulator modules support training requirements for the TRC and Optima dipper configurations , as well as next-generation controls and the Centurion 6 shovel control system . Additionally , the company supplies simulator training solutions for the Cat 7495 rope shovel and previous-generation models .
The Immersive Technologies rope shovel conversion kits it told IM quantifiably assess operator risk to safety , production , and machine reliability through hundreds of behavioural data points measured and recorded in session playback reports . “ By providing learners feedback through onscreen prompts , they are immediately reminded of their performance and can apply corrective behaviour . For example , learners can be assessed on their ability to respond to fire , crawler failure , dipper contacting a truck , dipper being clear of the dig-face before swinging , boom-jacking , etc .”
In an autonomous haulage training program , it says dozens of additional measures optimise behaviours for interacting with autonomous systems while operating a surface loading machine . The company provides simulator training solutions for both the Komatsu Frontrunner and Cat Command for Hauling systems , with simulator deployments in 31 major mines around the world utilising autonomous haulage systems .
Reported customer results include 13 % reduction in swing time ; 33 % reduction in swing impact events ; 17 % reduction in load time ; and 40 % reduction in operator risk profile . The company ’ s electric rope shovel solutions offer significant training value by leveraging advanced technologies .
These immersive training scenarios provide several benefits : n Real-World Simulation : The training solutions replicate real-world scenarios and are highly configurable to specific mining practices , allowing operators to practice in a safe , realistic , and controlled setting without realworld risks . n Enhanced Engagement : The interactive nature of the simulations improves engagement and knowledge retention . n Safe Training Environment : Operators can make mistakes and learn from them without facing real-world consequences . They receive appropriate feedback and can correct actions , cementing safe and productive behaviours . n Data-Driven : All training data from Immersive Technologies products is securely stored , enabling mine personnel to identify workforce risks and optimisation opportunities . This performance data is a
36 International Mining | MARCH 2025