TRAINING & SIMS
The Immersive Technologies simulation room at Kinross Bald Mountain
Realism revisited
In today’ s mining market, simulator-based training plays a more important role than ever to address workforce challenges and ensure safe and efficient equipment operation. Paul Moore reports
The market leader in simulator-based training in the mining industry, Komatsu-owned Immersive Technologies, told IM that it provides solutions to drive strategic workforce development across the mine employee lifecycle“ by improving the effectiveness of workforce attraction, screening, onboarding, and optimisation.” The company says it prides itself on being“ a partner who is driven to solve workforce challenges identified by the voice of the mining industry.”
In Q3 and Q4 2025, the company hosted 300 mining professionals from 70 + mining companies at User Group Forums in Tucson, USA; Johannesburg, South Africa; Bali Indonesia; Belo Horizonte, Brazil; and Mackay, Australia.
The company adds that it sees three primary industry workforce challenges in mining today. The first is low availability of mining talent. Immersive believes it is redefining mining talent attraction and screening through simulation and VRbased content.“ With only a small portion- 10 % or less- of the entire available talent pool considering mining careers, their engaging, high-tech solutions attract younger generations who expect immersive learning experiences to be provided by their employers. By simulating real-world mining operations, they enable safe, effective training for individuals with no prior mining experience or who have never even seen a mining operation- reducing the risk of poor talent selection.”
Its technology also empowers new crew supervisors with field based virtual mission scenarios, bridging gaps in practical experience and improving decision-making for the incoming but under experienced miners.“ These innovations not only enhance human performance and safety but also help reshape mining’ s reputation as a forwardthinking, tech-driven industry.”
The second challenge is mine operational cost control through human performance. According to the US Department of Labor, in 2024 the unit cost for mining labour grew while productivity per hour work shrank. In addition, they found the mining industry faces increased production unit costs due to higher complexity in operations, deeper deposits, and higher costs of support activities such as exploration, mine construction and maintenance.“ Mining companies are turning to improved human performance to help offset the rise in unit costs through producing more and or consuming less.”
On Kinross’ s corporate website it shares results of a business improvement project at Bald Mountain gold mine leveraging Immersive Technologies products and services that delivered production gains. These included a 14.17 % reduction in load times by working closely with a trainer to identify challenging points in loading and receive strategic coaching on areas for improvement. Operators then brought their learnings to the simulator to practice maximising load times in a low-stress environment before heading back into the field. Kinross also increased bucket payloads by 12.22 % and reducing bucket counts by
~ 15 % training operators on strategic digging and filling techniques. And it achieved a 92 % pass rate on safety events by simulating emergency situations and training operators on how to safely shut down and exit equipment to prevent injuries or fatalities.
Anglo American Sishen reported significant project results leveraging Immersive Technologies simulators as a tool to improve machine reliability through reduced machine alarms. Haul truck results included a 96 % decrease in service brake application at high speed; a 22 % reduction in truck overloads; and a 60 % reduction in frame torques. Rope shovel results included a 94 % reduction in swing impacts; a 97 % reduction in hoist brake not set while hanging; a 72 % reduction in hoist stall; and a 98 % reduction in boom jacks.
Another point Immersive highlights is the industry’ s rapid technology adoption trend which both enables many opportunities but also raises challenges for how workforces adapt to change.“ For example, the success of autonomous haulage systems and collision avoidance systems are dependent on having workforces who understand how the systems works, how to make decisions under new circumstances and how to interact with new technology such as machine guidance panels.”
To solve these challenges Immersive Technologies has led the development of blended learning solutions including eLearning, Virtual Classroom and Advanced Equipment Simulators with add on Autonomous Haulage Panels. The company currently is trusted by 34 major autonomous mines who either operate Cat Command for Hauling or Komatsu FrontRunner systems.
Immersive launches LX3 + and LX6 +
Looking at specific sim launches, Immersive recently announced the launch of the LX3 + and LX6 + Advanced Equipment Simulators for surface mining. It says these new platforms introduce motion base functionality to the LX platform range, enhancing realism and effectiveness in early-stage mining equipment operator training.
For nearly a decade, Immersive Technologies’ LX Simulators have served as a powerful complement to premium systems, such as the PRO5 and IM360 +. The new LX3 + and LX6 + it says continue this legacy, offering a cost-effective solution for training applications including minesite familiarisation; emergency response preparedness; and new-hire onboarding.
Compatible with Immersive Technologies’ extensive range of Conversion Kits ®, the LX3 + and LX6 + platforms allow mining operations to maximise training throughput and enhance operator skills. Immersive Technologies’ approach supports simulation of all major OEM mining equipment –
28 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025