Originally presented at Haulage & Loading 2013. This white paper explores proximity detection in the open pit mine being used effectively as an operator assist strategy which improves digging production through enforcement of best practices, although it is normally thought of first as a safety tool, and second as a step toward full automation when combined with object avoidance.

Cipta Kridatama Talent Development Manager, Gemilang Adi Perdana, said “with commodity prices going down, like many sites, we are looking at ways to cut costs and fuel consumption was identified as problem area. We were over budget by nearly 10,000 liters per month at one site and identified the contributors affecting fuel consumption. Operator skill level was the focus of the fuel efficiency efforts,” Perdana said. Fuel records for 30 haul truck operators were collected over a one month period and 18 of the 30 were over the budgeted liters per hour consumption. All operators were assessed using an Immersive Technologies, Advanced Equipment Simulator to establish a baseline, simulation based training then occurred followed by a reassessment. Once operators passed the reassessment they were put back in the field. After one month operators were assessed again to confirm retention of the new haul truck operating techniques.

Training for the Safest Operations: • Practice for a range of possible emergency situations in a safe environment • Increase confidence in reacting to emergencies • Significantly reduce your risk of LTIs and fatalities • Compliance Refresher Training

With over 100,000 operator training sessions analyzed we know that less than 50% of experienced operators can recall the procedure to respond to an emergency machine failure. We can deliver over 90% pass rates through Immersive Technologies’ proven training solutions.

Increase Profit and Reduce Risk - We provide a managed solution including trainers, consultants and supervision at the level you require. Capabilities: Risk Management. Instructional Design and Curriculum Development, Training Center Design and Management, Training Needs and Performance Analysis, Staffing - all levels and all roles, part time or permanent, Continuous Improvement, Workforce Development Planning (for mines, regions and educational institutions)

Too often training is done “for the sake of it” or only to fulfill a compliance requirement. In reality the biggest return on investment from training equipment operators is achieved by targeting actual performance variance identified through data including fleet management system data. Performance variance in production, machine abuse and safety costs an average mine millions of dollars per year.

Proximity detection in mining is one of the most vital of today’s technologies for keeping workers safe around heavy machinery.  Strata HazardAvert® for coal mines is specifically designed for the underground coal environment and is MSHA approved to be used mine-wide on both production and haulage equipment. The system promotes safer work practices through increased safety awareness and modified worker behavior. It works to prevented accidents and collisions which in-turn improves overall productivity and efficiency.