The onset of Covid-19 prompted mining companies globally to adopt remote and virtual technologies that they otherwise might not have implemented, says mining simulation technology solutions provider Immersive Technologies Africa regional manager Michael Nel.

“The changes in mindset and ongoing innovation in technology are paving the way for new solutions for mines. The industry has changed and, with the correct technology, mining companies can benefit,” he says.

During the pandemic, for example, the company assisted clients with remote trainer stations – a solution where trainers can mentor operators remotely without exposure to the potential risk of contracting Covid-19.

Nel highlights the importance of a highly effective workforce optimisation strategy to achieve sustained productivity gains by aligning people, process and technology.

He adds that the mining industry demands safer, more productive and less costly equipment and operations to achieve sustainability.

“One-time improvement initiatives have already hit the financial bottom line, and their impact is lessening. Operations are now looking for sustainable long-term solutions that integrate operational data, analytical tools and decision-making, leveraged to improve financial outcomes on an ongoing basis.”

He explains that aligning a workforce development strategy with operational data and analytical tools to improve the speed and effectiveness of training and risk management initiatives results in financial gains.

Mining companies increasingly understand that operations require blended learning initiatives as a business improvement tool that creates quantifiable returns in safety, productivity and efficiencies.

Nel says using data to inform training initiatives and measure the impact of these interventions in real time is necessary.

He adds that simulator training has always played a role in the onboarding of ‘green’ operators and basic compliance training for both new and experienced operators.

Additionally, mining companies are now pursuing more than just the “standard” to gain return on investment.

“The current trend in mining is that companies expect results from their training investment beyond new-hire training by keeping their workforce optimised at all times,” he explains.

Hence, Immersive Technologies provides its simulator training solutions for the Australian and African mining industries, with the company having implemented its solutions across 41 mine sites in 13 African countries.

Operator Performance Analysis

The company’s approach encapsulates the use of real-time data, creating transparency to address risk, costs and unplanned maintenance through its automated system, called Operator Performance Analysis (OPA).

OPA is a business improvement service providing site stakeholders with accurate and timely intelligence on operator performance variability, as well as training needs analysis.

The service is structured to deliver analyses across multiple mine data systems, with critical information being presented within a dashboard tailored to stakeholder requirements. This information can be actioned immediately by training and operations management.

OPA connects the disparate mine fleet, the training data and the workforce development plan to form a comprehensive system to improve safety, provide insights into operational risk, minimise productivity loss, and monitor machine health and abuse trends, as well as optimise resource allocation for training and development.

In its Real Results catalogue, Immersive Technologies produces verified and documented case studies to highlight the financial gains achieved by miners. The catalogue is available upon request.

Implementing Solutions

Nel explains that successful implementation of technological solutions requires a willing end-user, a suitable solution that integrates with other technologies already implemented, a reliable service provider and a management team focused on providing meaningful results.

However, implementing solutions can be challenging, he adds.

“With 29 years of experience, we understand that implementations can derail if a balanced approach is not adopted to cover people, processes and technology components. We build the most reliable and advanced simulators in the mining industry; however, the technology alone is not enough to drive real change and improvements.”

Nel says Immersive Technologies has obtained value for its clients in Africa through ongoing continuous improvement interventions and engaging new clients seeking a quantifiable return on training investment.

“Having a strong, localised service organisation to fully support clients through these projects is key. It takes hard work and dedication to show real results and we walk with our clients every step of the way.”

The company has a pipeline of new simulator installations across Africa and is delivering new and ancillary technologies and services to mature the application of simulator training within its existing client base.

Nel says the company’s managed services offering has shown significant growth, with clients valuing onsite, full-time access to subject matter experts.

“We want to develop the workforces of our clients across Australia and Africa, helping them to be more profitable and efficient in a safer way.

“We believe we can make a real difference by focusing on quality products and services and, in turn, become good corporate citizens who make a difference,” concludes Nel.