Facing a severe labour shortage, Xstrata SA will use the simulators to train inexperienced heavy equipment operators in a safe environment, without hindering production or the risk of damaging the actual equipment.

Immersive Technologies will supply the company with simulator modules to replicate a Cat 777D rigid haul truck, a dragline machine and a Komatsu WA1200 wheel loader, as well as provide comprehensive support for the simulators over a five-year period.

The simulator modules will be delivered by the end of this year, installed at Xstrata Coal SA's training centre in Witbank and used for training on all sites in the country.

The simulators use real original equipment manufacturer cab controls and technical information gained exclusively from OEMs to familiarise trainees with the machines' operating conditions and capabilities while also simulating equipment faults, emergencies and environmental hazards that the employee is trained to handle on the job.

Immersive Technologies district manager for South Africa Gerrit Zevenster told International Longwall News that each module is developed using state-of-the-art technology and records details of each training session to help the trainer identify areas of concern in each employee.

He added that simulator trainers are also put through an extensive training course to maximise the utilisation of the simulator.

Zevenster said that while the company's simulators currently cater for opencut mining operations, Immersive Technologies has received "a large number of requests for a range of similar products to be developed for the underground market" and the company is working with major mining houses to develop the sought after modules.