Located in the Moquegua region in the south of Peru, Quellaveco is one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits. Part of the mine plans are to transition to autonomous haulage systems, and Anglo American Quellaveco will utilize simulation-based training and workforce development solutions from Immersive Technologies to improve the efficiency of new operator training, ensuring its long-term productivity.
Simulator for Cat Command for Hauling System (left), and simulator for Komatsu FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (right). Image credit: Immersive Technologies.
The mine site will take delivery of a fleet of Caterpillar Autonomous trucks, which will be loaded by Caterpillar electric and hydraulic shovels equipped with Cat MineStar Command for Hauling systems.
To train and develop a local workforce for a greenfield operation, Anglo American Quellaveco has invested in simulators and learning systems from Immersive Technologies. The new mine will be running autonomous truck operations once operators are proficient in how to interact with the autonomous haulage environment.
With increased role complexity, using an effective and efficient training approach is important in effectively preparing many personnel in a short period of time, while consistently measuring, assessing and optimizing skills to determine permit-to-work. Additionally, in-field training time must be minimized to avoid impact on production.
Investing in Immersive Technologies’ training solutions will speed up the training to provide sufficient operators for the mining operations (both manned and autonomous operations) and at the same time reduce the risk in achieving the required ramp-up to full commercial operations. The transitional period to bring the complete fleet of autonomous trucks into operation, will require specific sets of skills and new roles. Human error has a significant impact on autonomous haulage system productivity. The systems being supplied by Immersive Technologies, have been demonstrated to enable personnel in in-field roles, to build the required skills and to decrease human error in the use of autonomous haulage systems.
“Operators will be involved in every stage of the transition; Immersive Technologies simulators would support this process by providing multiple simulation training solutions to generate multi-functional operators in a safe and controlled environment while being efficient,” said Bryce Mancell, Technology & Systems Eng. Superintendent, Mining and Technology at Anglo American.
Immersive Technologies will support Anglo American Quellaveco at every step of the process while utilizing blended learning systems, simulation and human performance analytics to address the implementation risks related to Quellaveco’s project.