A new, cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) laboratory marks a significant stride toward revolutionising workforce development and readiness in the mining industry.
Anglo American, which operates five steelmaking coal mines in the Bowen Basin, has partnered with the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCOE) to deliver a purpose-built, fully integrated VR laboratory to better prepare workers for the mine site.
The lab is designed to equip mining professionals, training organisations and community groups with immersive experiences and advanced learning tools.
This dynamic collaboration will allow users to gain access to more than 20 training modules, ranging from critical safety protocols to advanced mining techniques and technologies.
A growing list of courses includes working at height, hazard identification, boom and scissor lift operation, hand safety, and working with hazardous substances but there is also potential for site-specific courses to be developed.
Anglo American’s Australia CEO Dan van der Westhuizen said safety, innovation and sustainability were critical to the future of mining in Queensland. He said the VR lab would become a vital companion to on-the-job training, allowing workers to learn key skills in a safe and supportive environment.
“Anglo American is committed to technological advancements that improve the way our steelmaking coal mines operate; through using underground automation technology, remote operation and data analytics to improve safety and sustainability,” he said.
"This new partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and preparing the mining workforce for the future.
“New technologies will require new skills and the lab is a significant step forward in harnessing virtual reality to train and upskill our teams.
“Training outcomes from the VR lab can be seamlessly integrated into a company's learning management systems, making continuous learning and skills development easy.
“The lab can be used for graduate assessment, trades assessment and onboarding, site inductions and industry problem solving. But it's not just about our workers; it's about empowering the entire industry and the next generation of mining professionals.”
RCOE CEO Steven Boxall said he looked forward to booking in mining companies, training organisations and community/school groups to use the VR lab for anything from training solutions and problem solving to technology trials.
“Everyone is talking about virtual reality but it’s hard to test and trial it without access to the hardware and the relevant training platform,” he said.
“Anglo American’s support has enabled our region to now have access to all of that via Next World Enterprises who developed the VR platform. So whether you are a school group, a training organisation, or a company looking at doing things differently, we’ve now got access to this right here in Mackay.
“This partnership connects Anglo American into the Resources Centre of Excellence vision across Stages 1, 2 and 3 which ultimately expands our offering out to Moranbah and helps support those mining sites into the future.
“RCOE is dedicated to advancing the mining sector's capabilities through cutting-edge technologies and training programs and I think this VR lab is set to become a beacon of excellence in mining education."
Aquila Mine General Manager Shane McDowall, who has also been RCOE Board Chairman for the past year, said this virtual reality technology could pave the way for a new era in training for mine sites like his.
“As Anglo American reimagines mining to improve people’s lives, we want to be at the forefront of digital transformation,” he said.
“Being able to immerse new-to-industry personnel in real-world situations without the presence of hazards will help raise awareness around hazards and fundamental controls required in our industry.
“It will ensure our newcomers are brilliant at the basics with a strong practical understanding of things like isolation, working at heights, confined space and lifting operations before being deployed to a mine site.
“It's not only a tool for Anglo American but also for the wider community to experience and learn about the industry in a highly immersive and safe environment."