TECHNOLOGY

Virtual reality training at Oyu Tolgoi

Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia operates ten WorksiteVR Quest systems from Immersive Technologies, which include virtual reality scenarios designed to facilitate a blended learning model in conjunction with eLearning and practical activities

Staff reporter
WorksiteVR Quest allows users to virtually experience surface and underground environments

WorksiteVR Quest allows users to virtually experience surface and underground environments

PRESS RELEASE: Mining operations are increasingly acknowledging the value of virtual reality training, making site inductions into a significant opportunity to proactively mitigate risk. 

At Oyu Tolgoi, 1,100 people have completed an induction programme using WorksiteVR Quest. 

As a new mine in development, a large number of contractors and permanent staff are on site. At its peak, there will be 5,800 people on site that require induction and safety training.

The virtual reality scenarios were developed in both Mongolian and English, and cover topics ranging from identification of correct PPE to refuge chamber access and procedures.

An analysis of survey data was conducted where monthly results of the training before WorksiteVR Quest was introduced were compared with the results after. This was conducted over a ten-month period and included both expats and Mongolian nationals. The results demonstrated broad improvements, including 22% increase in understanding of tagging procedures, 10% increase in knowledge retention and recall, and 16% increase in confidence of successfully initiating an emergency response.

Wayde Salfinger, executive director for marketing at Immersive Technologies, commented: "This achievement by Oyu Tolgoi mine using WorksiteVR Quest provides an excellent example of how this technology can be applied to great effect. 

"WorksiteVR Quest, like all Immersive Technologies products, is designed from its core out, to achieve quantifiable improvement in the safety of mining personnel."

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