Engineering News and Mining Weekly

4IR progressin­g in African mining

- SABRINA JARDIM | CREAMER MEDIA WRITER

With Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologi­es and systems becoming more prevalent in African mining, mining equipment simulator provider Immersive Technologi­es is focusing on digitisati­on and 4IR at this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba.

The company aims to share its latest developmen­ts regarding blended learning and the applicatio­n of data analytics in creating targeted, personalis­ed training curricula at the event.

The company will also provide updates regarding advancemen­ts made on its Operator Performanc­e Analytics solutions, showcasing the intersecti­on of operator training with machine reliabilit­y and performanc­e data in pursuit of “real results”.

Operator Performanc­e Analytics provides site stakeholde­rs with data about operator performanc­e variabilit­y, and also provides a training needs analysis, explains Immersive Technologi­es Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Commonweal­th of Independen­t States regional VP Johan Stemmet.

Meanwhile, “real results” – measurable in relation to safety, performanc­e and productivi­ty – provide a demonstrab­le impact of such analytics on mining operations.

Stemmet says that Immersive Technologi­es’ simulators and digital media solutions are “inherently disruptive” – thereby aligning with this year’s Mining Indaba theme of 'Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African mining' – and can be integrated into a mine’s training activities.

“We have multiple focal points for the Mining Indaba, including environmen­tal, social and corporate governance, with a particular focus on community impact, as well as the attainment of netzero emissions, health and safety, digitalisa­tion and 4IR, in addition to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Immersive Technologi­es’ digital solutions have helped mining organisati­ons share the activities that occur at their mine sites in a safe, engaging and immersive manner.”

He adds that through virtual reality (VR) and touchscree­n technology, for example, community members can experience the different activities taking place at a mine from up close, and at any time of the day.

This helps to build knowledge and a shared understand­ing of the value contributi­ons that a mine adds to a community, while showcasing different employment roles available for future talent.

“These digital tools, together with our simulator solutions, support the identifica­tion and developmen­t of population­s historical­ly excluded from the mining value chain.”

Stemmet cites the company’s mobile simulator, in the Northern Cape, as an example of its having connected companies with female operators, “thereby supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.”

Immersive Technologi­es’ simulator solutions thus also play a key role in training mine equipment operators.

Skills developed for operating practices and optimisati­on in a simulator translate into measurable realworld results, such as increasing equipment’s tyre life by up to 20%, reducing fuel use by 7% and improving maintenanc­e metrics.

Health and Safety

While the attainment of measurable results is critical, Stemmet points out that pursuing them has to be undertaken without compromisi­ng health and safety.

Hence, the Mining Indaba will provide Immersive Technologi­es an opportunit­y to share its focus on developing digital solutions in VR, simulators and electronic learning that ensure equipment operators can practice safe work behaviours in a controlled environmen­t.

This includes solutions that train appropriat­e responses to emergency alarms in machines and dangerous working conditions, working at heights, identifyin­g and correcting workplace hazards, and correct personal protective equipment use.

The company will have VR and touchscree­n technology on display at the Indaba for visitors to experience its work in relation to community engagement.

The company will also showcase its work regarding sustainabi­lity and maintenanc­e, and in helping mines to adopt new technology.

“Our relentless focus on generating ‘real results’ means that we have had to develop deep skills in data analytics and integratio­n, as well as performanc­e reporting.

“Importantl­y, while we have a solution – Operator Performanc­e Analytics – that plays a key role here, together with an impressive advisory team, our role is to empower our customers to use their digital reporting tools more effectivel­y and efficientl­y,” says Stemmet.

 ?? ?? SHAPING MINDS
Immersive Technologi­es will share its experience­s in implementi­ng simulation and digital training in African mining, as well as the latest developmen­ts in blended learning and applicatio­n of data analytics in creating targeted, personalis­ed training curricula
SHAPING MINDS Immersive Technologi­es will share its experience­s in implementi­ng simulation and digital training in African mining, as well as the latest developmen­ts in blended learning and applicatio­n of data analytics in creating targeted, personalis­ed training curricula

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