Ahead of the collision avoidance article in the forthcoming January 2025 edition of IM, Immersive Technologies told IM Editorial Director Paul Moore that it has added new solutions for the HxGN MineProtect Collision Avoidance System (CAS) and the HxGN MineProtect Vehicle Intervention System (VIS) from Hexagon Mining to its range of Conversion Kits for surface mining equipment and has already rolled out the simulator training at an African coal mine.
As global mining regulators tighten policies governing the interaction between people and machines, ensuring the safe integration of advanced technologies is more critical than ever. Among the technologies shaping the future of mine safety are collision avoidance systems. These systems are increasingly adopted across the industry to mitigate injuries and fatalities caused by vehicle interactions. However, without comprehensive training, the potential of these cutting-edge systems cannot be fully realised, leading to risks, and reduced operational efficiency.
Recognising this challenge, Immersive Technologies, a leader in operator training innovations, says it is leveraging its legacy of expertise to bridge the gap between technology and effective workforce implementation. With over three decades of experience and successful deployments across more than 360 mines globally, Immersive Technologies told IM that it ensures mining operations can seamlessly integrate advanced safety systems like CAS and VIS.
“The rapid adoption of CAS and VIS technologies, alongside other in-cab systems, has created a new challenge: managing the distraction caused by competing alerts and ensuring operators prioritise critical notifications.” said Andrew Prince, Product Manager specialist in AHS, CAS & VIS at Immersive Technologies. “Effective training is the key to mitigating this risk. We provide tailored, simulation-driven solutions designed to prepare operators and pedestrians for the complexities of modern mining environments.”
He adds: “Through the use of advanced simulation, we replicate real-world scenarios to teach operators how to respond effectively to CAS and VIS alerts while maintaining operational focus. This training minimises over-reliance on technology, enhances emergency preparedness, and ensures compliance with standard operating procedures.”
The cost of inadequate training is substantial. Accidents resulting from improper use of CAS and VIS systems can lead to injuries, fatalities, legal liabilities, and equipment damage. These incidents not only carry significant financial consequences but also immeasurable human costs. Immersive Technologies’ solutions address these issues by:
- Streamlining Integration: Phased rollouts and simulation-based training reduce disruptions and in-field training time, ensuring a smooth transition for operators.
- Mitigating Critical Risk Events: Safe, simulated environments enable operators to practice emergency responses and refine information recall, reducing the likelihood of high-risk incidents.
- Ensuring SOP Compliance: Comprehensive training programs ensure personnel adhere to safety protocols, with regular refreshers to combat skills decay.
- Maximising ROI: Scalable training solutions allow large workforces to be trained effectively in minimal time, optimising safety and operational efficiency.
Simulator training significantly reduces both in-field and overall training time, minimising production disruptions and allowing the advantages of collision avoidance to be quickly realised. It provides a controlled training environment that reduces unnecessary operator exposure and potential damage to mobile equipment.
Training multiple operators on a new system can be costly and time-consuming for any operation. By implementing collision avoidance in Immersive Technologies simulators, mines can reduce the time operators spend in training without taking equipment out of production.
Immersive Technologies’ integration of simulation, virtual reality, and digital learning tools goes beyond traditional training methods. By simulating real-world scenarios, their systems provide hundreds of behavioural metrics to assess and improve operator performance. This holistic approach ensures operators are skilled, confident, and prepared to handle the challenges of modern mining operations.
With an emphasis on continuous improvement, Immersive Technologies says it collaborates with mining operations to refine training programs, adapt to regulatory changes, and optimise technology use over time. Real mine data is used to pinpoint risks and inefficiencies that are then improved through targeted operator training.
Investing in comprehensive training is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a culture of safety and efficiency. Immersive Technologies’ state-of-the-art simulator training for HxGN MineProtect CAS and VIS empowers mining operators to harness the full potential of these systems, reducing equipment damage, lowering maintenance costs, and boosting productivity.
The company concludes: “As the mining industry undergoes a rapid digital transformation, partnering with Immersive Technologies ensures the workforce of mining companies is ready to navigate the complexities of modern mining safely and effectively.”
