A VR safety training experience in a mine shaft, depicting the combination of virtual reality technology and safety training in the mining industry.

Revolutionising Safety Training in the Mining Industry: The Journey of Our Interactive 3D VR Experience

by Theodore Egling | March 24, 2023

Table of Contents

Background

The mining industry has always faced challenges when it comes to safety training, with risks ranging from equipment malfunctions to environmental hazards. More so, often when trainees are first exposed to mining environments, it can be overwhelming as the training material is not always an effective representation of the real environment. In an effort to address these challenges and bridge the gap between the training and operating environments, we set out to create an innovative solution that could not only improve the effectiveness of safety training but also provide an immersive experience for the trainees.

VR training can reduce training time by 40% and improve employee performance by 70%.

~ a study shared by PwC

In this blog, we will reflect on our journey in building a proof of concept (POC) for the mining industry: a web Virtual Reality (VR) and interactive 3D experience, which can be found at https://auxo-mine.netlify.app. We'll also discuss the benefits of using VR and 3D technology in safety training and its potential applications in similar construction industries.

Benefits of VR and 3D in Safety Training

Our POC demonstrates several advantages of using VR and 3D technology in safety training:

  • Immersive Learning: The interactive 3D environment immerses trainees in realistic situations, enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of the risks and consequences associated with their actions.

  • Safe Practice Environment: VR allows trainees to practice potentially dangerous tasks without any real-life risks, reducing the chances of accidents during training.

  • Increased Retention: The engaging nature of VR experiences can lead to better retention of information, ensuring that trainees are better prepared for real-world situations.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: VR training can reduce the need for costly physical training facilities and equipment, making it a more cost-effective alternative to traditional training methods.

Potential Applications in Similar Construction Industries

The success of our POC in the mining industry opens up opportunities for similar applications in other construction industries, including:

  • Oil and Gas: VR can be used to simulate the complex processes and potential hazards associated with drilling, refining, and transporting oil and gas.

  • Infrastructure Development: VR can help construction workers visualise and practice working with heavy machinery, managing traffic flow, and adhering to safety regulations.

  • Power Generation: In the renewable energy sector, VR can simulate the operation and maintenance of wind turbines, solar panels, and other energy production facilities.

  • Manufacturing: VR training can help factory workers learn about equipment operation, assembly line processes, and workplace safety protocols.

Auxo Digital's Comprehensive Engagement Methodology for Digital Experiences

At Auxo Digital, we believe in creating exceptional digital experiences that drive innovation and help businesses achieve their goals. Our unique engagement methodology is designed to ensure success at every step of the process, combining strategic analysis with seamless implementation. By working closely with our clients, we tailor our approach to deliver customised solutions that drive growth and foster long-lasting partnerships.

Auxo Digital's Comprehensive Engagement Methodology for Digital Experiences

Our Five-Step Engagement Methodology

  1. Discovery: We start by defining the project goals, objectives, and business case for digital innovation. By understanding your vision, we can better align our solutions with your unique requirements.

  2. Assessment: Through a series of assessments and interviews, we gain a deep understanding of your business "as is" and define the "to be" state. This comprehensive assessment enables us to identify opportunities for digital transformation.

  3. Prioritise Initiatives: We identify, assess, and prioritise digital innovation initiatives, ensuring each one has a clear scope and timeline. This allows us to focus on the most impactful projects and deliver maximum value for your business.

  4. Implementation and Development: We move into the detailed design, integration, and implementation phase, ensuring that each initiative is perfectly aligned with your overall strategy. Our team of experts ensures that the solutions we provide are scalable, secure, and efficient.

  5. Operational Handover: Finally, we handover and operationalise the new systems and platforms internally. Our team works closely with your staff to ensure a smooth transition, providing ongoing support as needed to guarantee long-term success.

How We Built It

The development of our POC involved several key steps:

  1. Research and Conceptualisation: We began by conducting extensive research on the mining industry, identifying key safety concerns and training requirements. This allowed us to create a blueprint for the VR and 3D experience, outlining the scenarios and features that would best address these concerns.

  2. Design and Development: Our team of designers and developers worked closely together to bring our concept to life. We used WebGL and WebXR, popular web technologies that enable 3D graphics and VR experiences to run on a variety of devices. This ensured that our solution would be accessible to as many users as possible.

  3. Testing and Refinement: We collaborated with industry experts and safety trainers to test our POC, gather feedback, and make necessary improvements. This iterative process allowed us to fine-tune the experience and ensure its effectiveness in addressing the identified safety training needs.

Conclusion

Our POC has demonstrated the potential of VR and 3D technology in revolutionising safety training within the mining industry. By providing an immersive and engaging learning experience, we believe that this technology can lead to safer work environments and a reduction in workplace accidents. As we continue to refine and expand our solution, we look forward to seeing how it can be applied to other construction industries, ultimately contributing to the improvement of safety standards across the board.