Immersive Technologies Delivers World’s First Simulation Based Training Solution for Autonomous Mining to Codelco's Gabriela Mistral Copper Mine
Advancements in mine automation technology have created many new opportunities for mining companies to increase their productivity, reduce cost and increase safety. Along with these new opportunities have come new challenges. A major challenge in the adoption of automation is people, or more specifically the re-shaping of a mining operation’s workforce to thinking and working differently. This is a key obstacle in the path of successful deployment and operation of autonomous mining systems.
Immersive Technologies has a history of partnering within the mining industry to overcome major challenges and is now working to overcome the workforce development obstacles affecting the adoption of autonomous mining. At Codelco's Gabriela Mistral "Gaby" copper mine in Chile, Immersive Technologies is developing and integrating a world first blended learning training center for autonomous haulage. At this training center, personnel will undergo computer based training, virtual classroom and simulator training to prepare them specifically for autonomous haulage operations.
“For Codelco Gabriela Mistral this requirement, developed in conjunction with Immersive Technologies, provides us a customized solution including the technology with which we operate in Gaby and allows us to obtain better safety standards and productivity,” Orlando Rubilar, Codelco Gabriela Mistral Mine Manager.
The Gaby site ordered the Komatsu driverless truck fleet in 2008 establishing it as one of the world’s most modern copper mines. The team at Gaby is actively working with Immersive Technologies to provide knowledge on autonomous mining operations.
“Our integration of autonomous haulage systems are setting the bar for the next generation of mining and our investment in Immersive Technologies’ training solutions will pave the way for the safest and most productive operations,” says Rubilar.
The introduction of autonomous operations requires thorough procedural training and assessment, with a number of ‘what if’ scenarios introduced to ensure mastery of the new methods of operation. Immersive Technologies’ blended learning solution is planned to address this need while mitigating risk and assisting in the realization of the full potential of the new automation technology.
“Mining operations adopting autonomous systems need to train a large number of personnel in a relatively short period of time. We’ve heard an estimated 15% retention of knowledge among trainees and inconsistent field training while deploying autonomous systems. The integration of our solutions are proven to increase effectiveness, deliver consistent training and reduce human error,” says Darrell Massie, Autonomous Mining Product Manager, Immersive Technologies.
Through their exclusive OEM alliances, proven results and global customer base, Immersive Technologies is recognized as the global leader in simulation based mining operator training.
“Our solutions continually develop to meet the needs of the mining industry and we are excited to be on the forefront addressing these challenges, ultimately impacting best practice for autonomous mining,” says Wayde Salfinger, Executive Director - Marketing, Immersive Technologies.
The autonomous mining training solution developed by Immersive Technologies blends computer based training, virtual classroom and simulator training and is designed to deliver consistently high levels of information retention, understanding and on the job performance.
Codelco Gaby Virtual Training Center - Customer Video (Spanish)
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About Immersive Technologies
Immersive Technologies is the world’s largest, proven and tested supplier of surface and underground Advanced Equipment Simulators to the global mining industry. The company has achieved this unique position by focusing on its mission to increase Customer profitability by optimizing the safety and productivity of their operators. Immersive Technologies’ Advanced Equipment Simulators are helping hundreds of mining companies around the world to increase their equipment operators’ safety and site profitability through effective simulation training.
Immersive Technologies provides its customers with the most effective Advanced Equipment Simulators available. This is made possible through the formal licensing and technical information alliances Immersive has established with the leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), including: Caterpillar Global Mining, Hitachi, Komatsu and Liebherr. These unique alliances provide Immersive Technologies with access to the OEM’s proprietary and confidential machine technical information that is required to correctly simulate the OEM’s machines and is not available through other public or dealer channels.
With advanced simulator modules deployed in 51 countries, Immersive Technologies is dedicated to provide outstanding service. To deliver on this commitment the company has customer sales and support offices located close to its customers in Perth and Brisbane Australia, Salt Lake City USA, Fort McMurray, Ottawa & Vancouver Canada, Monterrey Mexico, Lima Peru, Santiago Chile, Belo Horizonte Brazil, Bochum Germany, Johannesburg South Africa, Jakarta Indonesia, Kolkata India and Moscow Russia.
Immersive has the global mining experience, innovative technology, product range, OEM relationships, proven support commitment and industry vision to partner with you to ensure your simulator training solution delivers the significant results you expect.