Immersive Technologies Mining Simulators
Download a PDF version of this articleAs the mining industry continues to heat up, Immersive Technologies is experiencing a jump in the number of orders for its Series 2B Advanced Equipment (AE) Simulators. Of particular interest are significant repeat purchases from existing customers.
Recent repeat purchases include a 3 rd Simulator by the Newmont group for its Ahafo project in Ghana, a 5 th Simulator by Phelps Dodge for El Abra in South America, 2 nd and 3 rd Simulators and a refurbishment of their existing Simulator by PT Freeport (Grasberg) in Indonesia and a 2nd for Kaltim Prima Coal in Indonesia.
PT Freeport Indonesia (PT-FI) will have a Simulator Training capability comprising 3 Transportable AE Simulators Series 2B, all for Grasberg, 4 Caterpillar Truck Conversion Kits®, a Komatsu Truck Conversion Kit®, a P&H MinePro 4100A Electric Rope Shovel Conversion Kit®, an O&K Terex RH200 Electric Shovel Conversion Kit®, and a Caterpillar Dozer Conversion Kit®.
PT-FI bought its first Simulator in mid-2001 primarily to increase safety of Operations of earthmoving equipment as new Operators were recruited.
“In a challenging mining environment and where on site changes were already resulting in improved performance, it was time for Freeport to take a fresh look at the potential benefits of simulator training. Specific benefits being targeted were improved safety, more efficient production and improved equipment availability.
Immersive Technologies emerged as the favored provider of the goods and services because they had an existing simulator on site, broad product range, strength in the market place, relationships with OEM’s, and commitment to support the simulators on and off site. Simulator sponsorship from Trakindo and P&H Minepro who provide maintenance and support services on site were also instrumental in Freeport decision to purchase additional simulators,” said Brendan Vaughan, Grasberg Business Support Development Manager
Phelps Dodge continues to increase their deployment of AE Simulators following early success achieved at four of their mines. Now with five AE Simulators and a host of Conversion Kits® their investment is set to further increase their bottom line.
"Our investment in this technology is expected to provide a significant enhancement to our zero and beyond safety efforts, as well as generating significant cost savings from maintenance and productivity improvements.", Jim Amburst, Business Improvement Manager at Phelps Dodge USA.
Newmont commenced utilizing their first AE Simulator in 2001 in Indonesia. This latest purchase sees the group with AE Simulators in Peru and now Ghana – Africa. Newmont have been an intense user of this technology typically running their training 24/7.
Kaltim Prima Coal in Indonesia acquired their first AE Simulator in 1998. The latest purchase was required to extend on this capability as the mine continues to expand.
“We are delighted that o ur customers are realizing significant tangible returns on their investments with Immersive Technologies AE Simulators. Immersive Technologies is committed to ongoing development and support that will see our substantial customer base continue to improve their safety and profitability through our technology. ” said Peter Salfinger, CEO Immersive Technologies.
