SIMS & TRAINING
concrete and scaling operators in mining have retired or are soon retiring so first of all there are lots of new hires and secondly there is less internal ability to provide the level of training needed . And in fact the training packages have also helped hone the skills of experienced operators in some cases , reducing their consumption of concrete due to better technique for example .
In terms of the simulator development itself , Normet has acquired some companies over the years which have given it significant expertise in this space in being able to provide its own software and hardware solutions . There is some cooperation with external companies on software , but all the hardware is the same as it would be on a real Normet machine . The simulators represent a true digital twin of the real machine , which further adds to the realism of the solution . With Normet now having battery electric versions of its machines using its SmartDrive technology , this includes Spraymec and Scamec SmartDrive machines , but because the training mainly relates to the concrete spraying or scaling tasks themselves performed which the machine is stationary , the training requirements have not changed due to the different power source .
Immersive meeting the underground drilling & bolting challenge
Immersive Technologies is celebrating its 30th anniversary of providing workforce optimisation solutions to mining . The company told IM it has a rich history of working with its customers to develop digitised training solutions and services that solve real industry training challenges . In underground mining , one of the most common challenges is the safety and productivity of the underground drill operation .
One of the recent training challenges in underground drill and bolter training is the amount of control usage required in operation . Also , with new OEM control layouts and the potential addition of third party systems , the machine operation has become even more complex . Immersive has recently been working with a prominent Western Australian underground miner to deliver solutions to solve this training challenge for the miners ’ Sandvik DD421 jumbo and Epiroc Simba E7C production drills .
Immersive Technologies partnered with the customer to develop simulation tailored to the customer ’ s drill fleet and specific training requirements . By combining Immersive ’ s human performance expertise with the customer ’ s mining expertise , they were able to achieve the objective of implementing a new fleet and workforce that performed in safety and productivity .
During this project the two companies worked together in the development and implementation of the new training strategy . “ By clearly documenting and understanding the workforce challenges and desired results , Immersive Technologies was able to tailor the simulation solutions to provide a high degree of learner engagement and skills retention . This resulted in the customer achieving return on investment from their new fleet and training investment .”
Investing in human performance remains a priority for mines due to the rapid progression of new technologies being integrated within machines , alongside an increasing number of add-on proficiency / productivity systems , all in an effort to optimise underground mining operations .
Immersive Technologies told IM that its range of blended learning products and services are proven tools for solving both these challenges . “ There are multiple applications for this type of training technology , including pre-employment screening , where the user may use training data to validate existing competence or screen new to industry hires for aptitude and suitability for working in underground environments . Many customers see significant savings simply from off-site pre-screening and avoiding on-site induction and onboarding costs .”
It adds : “ However , where Immersive simulators really provide value is optimising the performance of the operation itself - decreasing overall training time required to reach competency ; increasing operator proficiency in production ; increasing safety and emergency response recall ; and decreasing machine abuse and associated maintenance costs .”
It cites real results related to the above claims including a mine in Chile achieving a 49 % increase in LHD productivity , and 56 % reduction in jumbo drill unscheduled maintenance costs . A new underground truck operator in Australia saved their machine from a fire on their first day on the job , after remembering his preemployment simulator training on emergency response procedures . A mine in Mexico achieved 34 % reduction in fuel consumption , 15 % reduction in drill bit consumption , 15 % reduction in bar / rod consumption and 24 % reduction in hammer consumption for their Atlas Copco Rocket Boomer fleet .
Other examples include a South American underground miner achieving a 7.53 % decrease in the site ’ s cost per tonne , 29 % reduction in tyre costs , 60.2 % reduction in engine repair costs and 38.7 % reduction in transmission abuse costs . A mine in Asia saw its LHD and underground truck training program achieve 35 % and 27 % reduction
Immersive Technologies simulator for Sandvik DS411-C Bolter
in underground loader and truck equipment damage . Finally , a Mexico underground miner achieved a 51.6 % and 36.7 % reduction in maintenance failures on their underground truck and jumbo drill fleets , respectively .
ThoroughTec delivers a holistic , digital training solution
In a new era of digital mining , ThoroughTec Simulation says it is leading the way towards simplified , integrated training solutions that cater to the evolving needs of the industry . “ Heavy equipment is becoming more complex , health and safety standards are rising , and the demand for increased productivity at reduced cost intensifying . In this demanding environment , the most forward-thinking mines are turning to technology to deliver training that gets the very best from their people . ThoroughTec Simulation is meeting this challenge head-on , by offering a wide range of innovative training technologies that not only attract young talent but also enhance the skill and efficiency of existing equipment operators .”
All designed and produced under one roof , ThoroughTec ’ s CYBERMINE range of full-mission simulators , interactive e-learning , VR pre-trip inspection trainers and comprehensive managed services “ seamlessly integrate under the Workforce Excellence ( WX ) Training Management System to empower mines to tackle the modern training challenge head-on and drive productivity to new heights . With their simple , robust and most importantly , unified approach , they are paving the way for a brighter future in mining education and workforce development .”
Historically , mine training departments have grappled with numerous challenges , spanning diverse training methods , incompatible tools and an overreliance on paper-based assessment , record-keeping , and organisation . Traditional Learning Management Systems ( LMS ) have provided some assistance , however their utility has been confined to the realm of e-learning , leaving the broad spectrum of ‘ other ’ mine
12 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023