Global equipment training simulator provider Immersive Technologies has received positive feedback from the African mining industry on its Complete and Scalable Operator Training Solution, which ensures operational improvement across mining operations.

The solution was globally launched at Immersive Technologies’ 2012 African User Group Forum, in Johannesburg, on September 18, 2012, with increased interest from local operators and mine sites experienced, says global events manager Ashley Mullaney.

She explains that the training model for mining operations ensures high levels of staff readiness and operational improvement, while taking advantage of a range of technologies to ensure cost-effective solutions and high trainee throughput.

This is achieved through e-learning, instruc- tor-led training, medium and high fidelity simulators with customised content as well as curriculums for specific operational needs.

“Our products and services tackle challenges such as the shortage of experienced mining operational trainers, benchmarking equipment operators’ performance against global norms, training systems integration and continuous improvement projects, to effectively deliver quantified mining operational improvement and programme management support,” Mullaney states.

Attendees of Immersive Technologies’ 2012 African User Group Forum were provided with an overview of the Complete and Scalable Operator Training Solution.

“The mining industry’s response to the training solution has been the most enthusiastic of all Immersive Technologies’ product launches”, executive director of marketing Wayde Salfinger stated in a media release.

“This confirms our belief that we have taken a major step forward in our mission to increase mining equipment operators safety and employer profitability. We are also proud of the extent to which we have furthered our competitive leadership.”

The Complete and Scalable Operator Train- ing Solution launch also involved the release of a range of new products, such as SimCloud, created to increase training throughput and effectiveness, which allows mining operations to maintain complete visibility over local or global simulation programs by using a secure website.

Immersive Technologies also launched the Global Operator Benchmarking Solution, which allows mining operations to benchmark their equipment operators against global norms based on data captured from over 23 000 min- ing equipment operators, as well as its Trainer Productivity Stations solution, which helps miners make better use of their experienced trainers.

Another product is the SimDesktop, which provides trainers and managers with combined solutions of Immersive Technologies products. This enables users to take advantage of the technology at any place and at any time. The SimMentor, which facilitates briefing and debriefing of training sessions and live session displays, was also launched at the forum.

Further, the product networks with the Advanced Equipment Simulator provide a consistent and structured training pathway.

Mullaney notes that a Zambian mining operation was the first African company to buy almost all of the key elements at the launch in support of a comprehensive training strategy.

This purchase included e-learning, instructor-led training, three PRO3 simulators, a comprehensive suite of tools, including the newly released SimMentor and a broad range of professional services such as training systems integration and continuous improvement projects.

Immersive Technologies was also present at the MINExpo International 2012, in Las Vegas.

An estimated 58 000 visitors from 36 countries visited the show where key Immersive Technolo- gies products showcased included live demonstrations of the company’s advanced equipment simulators showcasing the PRO3 Classroom and AES Lite simulators for surface mining, UG360 for underground mining and interactive presentations of e-learning and SimMentor.

Meanwhile, Immersive Technologies tells Mining Weekly that its business development team will network with existing and potential new clients at the 2013 Investing in African Mining Indaba, which will take place in Cape Town from February 4 to 7.

“We plan on attending the exhibition and conference, as well as surrounding events to meet with mining companies interested in operator training and development,” says Immersive Technologies regional manager Michael Nel.