Ageing Workforce
The average age of a US miner is over 50 years old (National Mining Association).
Recruitment Difficulty
At least 40% of new graduates are declining to join the mining industry.
Technological Advancements
Mines are increasingly using autonomous haul trucks and drilling equipment, requiring workers to adapt and learn.
Environmental and Safety Regulations
Environmental and safety compliance means mines must invest in training programs to ensure workers understand and adhere to protocols.
Difficult to Simulate
Real-life scenarios cannot be simulated.
Specific Skills Shortages
Regions might experience more acute shortages in certain skill sets, from skilled geologists to metallurgy experts.
Global Economic Factors
The mining industry is sensitive to economic cycles and commodity prices, so investments need to be cost-effective.
Diversity and Inclusion
Initiatives are needed to promote diversity and inclusion and ensure a more inclusive workforce.
High Costs
Hands-on practice is time-consuming, expensive and sometimes ineffective, and individual practice sessions aren't available.
Using heavy machinery is a central part of mining. VR can train operators how to use these machines in a safe, controlled environment, minimising the risk of accidents.
Training could include simulations of common tasks such as digging, loading, and transporting materials.
Possible disaster scenarios like mine flooding, fire, collapse or gas leaks can be simulated to teach workers how to respond in emergency situations, such as mine collapses, fires, or gas leaks.
Virtual simulations on the use of safety equipment, evacuation procedures, and first aid techniques can help create more robust emergency responses and evacuation routes.
Engineers can walk through a 3D virtual model of a mine before it’s built, and identify design errors or inefficiencies early on. For example, checking proposed conveyor belt system efficiency, potential safety hazards.
VR could also simulate geological challenges, such as water ingress, gas emissions, or unstable rock formations, saving time and costs due to unexpected issues during operations.
VR could also show potential environmental impacts, to help design and communicate measures to minimise these impacts.
VR simulations can familiarise workers with the layout of complex mines, including emergency routes, exit locations, safety equipment, and first aid stations.
Certain mining roles require specific skills, such as a blasting engineer knowing how to correctly place and detonate explosives. VR simulations can recreate setting up a blast, offering practice in a safe and controlled environment.
Plus, visualisations of mine geology ore distribution allows mine planners to decide cost-effective and efficient strategies for ore extraction.
AR overlays digital information onto the real world, offering an intuitive and practical tool for remote maintenance assistance.
Real-time Information Overlay
Technicians can see superimposed step-by-step instructions or schematics directly on the equipment they are repairing, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
Remote Expert Guidance
When technicians need assistance, a remote expert can view the same AR visuals as the technician on site and provide real-time advice, draw annotations on the AR display, or even demonstrate the correct procedure.
Hands-free Operation
AR devices can be worn as glasses or headsets, leaving technicians’ hands free rather than referring to a manual or screen.
Identification of Components
AR can help identify parts or components using visual recognition techniques, such as highlighting parts in complex machinery.
