Mining Magazine > Panorama > Vale invests in simulator training

Panorama

Immersive Technologies has announced that it is to supply Brazilian miner Vale with three Advanced Equipment Simulators, which are expected to be commissioned at the Moatize coal project, Mozambique by the end of May 2009.

The simulators will support operator training on the Caterpillar 793D haul truck, Caterpillar 992G wheel loader, and Hitachi EX5500 shovel/excavators as part of a large ‘turn-key’ training solution supplied by Immersive Technologies.

The company will also provide Custom Mine Site software, which accurately replicates the Moatize mine to enhance the realism and value of the training, and tuition on its TrainerAdvantage course. This globally certified programme provides experience in the use and application of equipment simulators.

With the aim of breaking first ground at Moatize in early 2010, Vale intends to identify, screen and train a world class operator workforce before its mining fleet arrives on site. The process will see the company screen approximately 1000 local people over the coming months with a view to training 125 vehicle drivers for next year’s operational start-up.
 
A Vale spokesperson said simulator training would play a vital role in the company’s haul truck, excavator/shovel, dozer, loader and dragline operator training at Moatize, both before and during the operational phase.

“Health, safety and respect for life are part of Vale’s core values. Using the simulator technology provided by Immersive Technologies, the company can refresh the skills and aptitude of operators in order to improve their performance in the operation. The primary rationale for investing in training at Moatize is the efficiency and efficacy of the process and methodology of teaching through simulators. We expect that the trainees will achieve good performance levels from the start of our operations.” She said.
 
Immersive Technologies is a world leading supplier of operator training simulators used in the mining and earthmoving industries. The company has 450 advanced mining equipment simulator modules in 25 countries, and has exclusive licensing and technical information alliances with several OEM’s including; Caterpillar, Hitachi, Komatsu and Liebherr.

Anthony Bruce, business development manager, Immersive Technologies commented: “Immersive Technologies’ simulators are a measurable, sustainable, business improvement tool that allows benchmarking and trend analyse of driver performance over time. They highlight the impact operators have on business productivity and their ability to effect the cost per tonne of operations. Our continued simulator sales during this economic downturn, demonstrate the technologies’ ability to provide a reliable means of reducing training and maintenance costs, while improving productivity and safety levels.”