richard beesley - immersive technologies - technology developments in underground mining
TRANSCRIPT
Richard Beesley
Underground Business Unit Manager
• Introduction of new technologies into underground mines intended to improve operator health and safety have exposed the operators to new risks when not properly trained
• Technologies advances require new approaches to operator training and skill assessment
• Simulation Technologies can be extended beyond training to assist operations with decision making
Rational
- Reduce operator exposure to noise, dust, and
vibration
- Allow for deeper cuts while removing the risk of
burying the operator
Problem
- Machine operators can position themselves in
risky locations
- Proximity detection systems are being rolled
out, but there is little training on how to operate
machine when a proximity system is in place.
- There is no understanding of the side effects of
proximity detection (e.g. overrides and lost
production).
Problem Impact
- Seeking higher production, operators may
inadvertently stray into high risk areas, risking a
fatality.
- Productivity may significantly decrease due to
accidentally shutting down the machine, when
proximity detection is installed. Alternatively,
operators may find loopholes, and operate less
safely (e.g. leave cutting head running).
Key Description
X General Location of Fatality
Occurred during maintenance.
Victim not operating machine.
Victim operating machine.
Underground Coal Mine in Mexico
• Geological conditions led to increased coal seam outbursts, putting miner’s lives in danger.
• To keep operators away from the risk of outbursts the site now operates using a tele-remote system.
• The site anticipated a 30% decreased in production levels with the new system
“Safety is our highest priority so going to a remote system was essential to protect our personnel. As part of this integration we wanted operators to be skilled and keep damage to the machines at a minimum.” Armando Diaz Cardenas, General Mine Manger – Mine VII, Mimosa.
• Advancements in mine automation increase productivity, reduce cost and increase safety.
• A major challenge in the adoption of automation is the re-shaping of a mining operation’s workforce to thinking and working differently.
• Autonomous operations requires thorough procedural training and assessment, with a number of ‘what if’ Scenarios
• Using Simulation technology to create visualizations of actual machines in the mine
• Currently have projects in Development
• Operators will be able to operate machinery from a safe location and have the information they require to be successful available