SAFETY & TRAINING
IT IS one of the biggest challenges facing mine sites – how can we increase productivity without compromising safety or increasing cost? Immersive Technologies, a leader in mining training solutions, says compelling results prove putting more focus on operator behaviour and skills will deliver higher output.
Immersive Technologies recently released a number of case studies proving how its simulation training and professional services delivered cycle time, spot time, swing time and bucket fill factor improvements.
“We know that equipment performance is heavily dependent on operator skill, knowledge and attitude. Our unique approach ensures customers focus on the right issues that will deliver the highest returns. We work closely with mining customers and OEMs to ensure the technology is properly integrated and quantified results are achieved,” said Immersive Technologies’ global professional services manager Bryant Mullaney.
Adding to an extensive catalogue of quantified business improvements, the case studies show examples of productivity increases achieved in mining operations through the use of data analysis and training solutions from Immersive Technologies. The studies span three countries and three commodities.
One case study explains details of a customer who was under pressure to show marked improvement in their overall production across all mine sites with an identified risk regarding the absence of a formal dragline operator training strategy. The customer partnered with Immersive Technologies to develop and implement a structured training curriculum through Training Systems Integration (TSI) and to drive ROI through targeted training, using simulators.
In-pit data was collected through an on-board data capture system and analysed in order to define the optimal training interventions. Targeted one-on-one skill training sessions were conducted to close gaps for each dragline operator. A comparison of operator performance in the six months before and six months after the training showed:
- 4% improvement in cycle times;
- 10% improvement in swing times; and
- 5.7% improvement in bucket fill factors
Recent case studies from Immersive Technologies provide details as to how simulation training and professional services delivered cycle time, spot time, swing time and bucket fill factor improvements.
At another site an initial training needs analysis demonstrated an opportunity to improve haul truck spot times. Data analysis revealed that only 20% of the workforce was responsible for the majority of lower than expected productivity.
Immersive facilitated a cross functional team consisting of stakeholders from production, maintenance, training and continuous improvement. Upon completion of the training initiative average spot times were reduced by 9 seconds.
The final case study recently released by Immersive Technologies spanned three mine sites where truck operators underwent simulator based training to improve truck cycle times. Simulator data was used to track progress of production specific skill and knowledge retention. Infield data was collected and analysed both before and after training. The end result was an average of 24.3% improvement in spot times across all three sites.
“Following work with 230-plus sites globally we believe that significant quantifiable improvement can be achieved at any mining operation. We understand that every mining operation and training centre has different needs and priorities that require customization, flexibility and consultation to maximize outcomes. We provide customized solutions which can include trainers, consultants, supervision and technology including flexible hire of Simulators,” Bryant Mullaney said.
Immersive Technologies is a 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 make every mining and earthmoving equipment operator in the world safer and their employer more profitable through its simulation technologies. 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 customers with the most effective Advanced Equipment Simulators available. This is made possible through the formal exclusive licensing and technical information alliances Immersive has established with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), including Caterpillar, Hitachi, Komatsu and Liebherr. These unique alliances provide Immersive Technologies with exclusive 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.