Immersive Technologies African regional manager Gerrit Zevenster explains, "The kit was developed at the specific request of customers who required a light vehicle simulated training system on mining sites."

The first light vehicle kit was used at world-leading mining company BHP Billiton's coal mine in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. Zevenster says BHP Billiton had experienced some light vehicle onsite incidents and saw the opportunity to use the simulator kits to train drivers to increase safety awareness at the mine.

He states that the response to the light vehicle kit has been astounding. The reality of the kit's simulation is close to the real-life situation at the mine, and BHP Billiton has had a number of successful trainees being trained on the simulator. The mine's vehicle operators are also operating much more safely than before on the mine site.

Zevenster comments, "Many people are not familiar with mining sites, especially on coal mines, or very big open-pits, where a number of very large trucks are driving around. Safety is a priority at these sites, and the smaller vehicles can, and have, ended up under the wheels of the large trucks at these sites."

He adds that there needs to be a greater awareness of large trucks on mining sites and how to behave in a safe manner around them, as well as the dangers of driving on dirt roads. "Often on, and around mines, there are roads which are not in a good condition, and it is important to train operators of light vehicles on these conditions, as well as the dangers which these conditions present," Zevenster says.

The emphasis on health and safety of human resources at mine sites has made mine management look at the value of employing simulation training systems in general. These systems have been designed for many of the most commonly used advanced vehicles used at mining operations.

Operators are taught to make the best use of the equipment on the simulators, and according to specifications of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). All these benefits save mining operations a substantial amount of money in addition to the human resource benefits. Further, the use of simulation systems contributes to the safety of the operators, it enhances productivity, reduces the need for unscheduled maintenance and lowers costs for each ton mined.

The feedback from the use of the light vehicle kit has been very positive, says Zevenster. As yet, there has been no suggested, or recommended changes to the kit.

Immersive Technologies works very closely with its customers, who provide feedback of the simulation systems on a daily basis. "The company has hit the nail on the head with the design for the light vehicle simulator. It is open to any suggestions from its customers, and if required, would be happy to look into them and modify its software, or even the hardware," says Sevenster.

He adds that mining and metals company First Quantum Minerals copper mines in Zambia have ordered the same light vehicle conversion kits used at BHP Billiton in Middelburg. The Zambian mine already has existing Immersive Technologies simulation technology infrastructure, and this kit will be an add-on feature.

Other clients include exploration and mine development company Equinox Minerals' Lumwana mine, diamond miner De Beers' Orapa and Jwaneng mines, in Botswana, gold miner Geita's mine, in Tanzania and gold producer Newmont Gold in Ahafo, Ghana.

Equinox Minerals' Lumwana mine operations manager Paul Willems comments, "The level of realism provided by Immersive Technologies advanced equipment simulators means operators can be exposed to, and trained to be familiar with, a full range of operating scenarios. This includes emergency situations, the actual mine layout, equipment control stations and operating procedures which are spread over typical shift periods. Operators are exposed to these situations on the simulators long before they get behind the wheel of expensive equipment."

Immersive Technologies simulation systems are purpose-built for use only with its own technology, and are built so that the systems are compatible with any conversion kit the company manufactures. The company has conversion kits for over 55 machine models, many based on models by the leading OEMs, with who it has exclusive alliances, including mining equipment manufacturers Bucyrus, Hitachi and Komatsu.

New Products
Immersive Technologies has launched a number of other new simulation conversion kits in 2008 as well. The Komatsu WA1200, a big wheel loader, was developed through the company's exclusive alliance with Komatsu, who provides the engineering information.

The company has also launched the Liebherr R996 excavator, at the request of customers, who required a simulation system to train new and upcoming operators on the Liebherr machine.

Another new development is the TabliT trainer console, a portable hand-held computer interface unit which provides the trainer with increased freedom and faster access to numerous training scenarios, while maintaining complete supervision of the training session.

The TabliT trainer console increases training flexibility by allowing trainers to remotely launch operator events and emergency situations with wireless technology and receive real-time feedback while the trainee operates the advanced equipment simulator.

This ‘roaming' aspect of the console provides the trainer with increased freedom and faster access to numerous training scenarios, while maintaining complete supervision of the training session.

Immersive Technologies executive vice president of business development Oye Obe comments, "The portability of the TabliT trainer console increases trainer freedom, whilst the touch screen feature allows trainers to focus on the trainee rather than being concerned with the technology. Overall, this improves both the efficiency and effectiveness of the training session."

Zevenster adds that the company continuously develops new products at customers' requests. The company prioritises where the greatest need is and then develops a product with the OEM.

"A key success factor with all of the company's developments has been the close relationship with the OEMs. Immersive Technologies has exclusive alliances with leading OEMs, which enables the company to provide simulations as near to reality as possible. This is the key to empower operators to be fully experienced and knowledgeable to the best effect," concludes Zevenster.

To subscribe to Mining Weekly's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.