Byrnecut said it is now set to achieve measurable in-field cost reductions, productivity gains and safety improvements via changes in equipment operator behaviour due to 350 of its staff coming through the centre in the past nine months of operation.

Equipment Simulators, a tailored suite of learning systems and curricula have been deployed to align with Byrnecut's ‘people first' approach to recruitment, skills development and performance improvement.

Pat Boniwell, Byrnecut Australia managing director, said: "The establishment of this Training and Induction Center very much fits with the Byrnecut philosophy of investing in the industry leading training systems, processes and infrastructure to assist in the personal and professional development of our employees. This in turn ensures that we are providing the safest and most productive workplaces for employees and our clients."

Supporting the technology integration is a training process which blends eLearning, classroom and simulator training to optimise the learning process for both new hire and experienced equipment operators. This process is managed through the collaboration of Byrnecut and Immersive Technologies on-site training experts.

Dave Kilkenny, project manager at Byrnecut, said: "Our world-class Training and Induction Center provides the opportunity for experienced and new hire operators to develop best mining practices in a safe, realistic and tech driven environment. Together with Immersive Technologies' equipment simulators and specialist personnel, our approach is carefully considered to provide valuable feedback and targeted training to address the impacts of performance variability on our business."

Immersive has delivered two IM360-B simulators and machine modules for a Cat truck and LHD, a Sandvik truck and LHD and an Epiroc truck.