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Eurasian Resources Group, a leading diversified natural resources group headquartered in Luxembourg, has launched a new digital tool at its Kazakhstan-based Sokolov-Sarbai Mining Production Association (SSGPO) JSC, which is one of the largest iron ore producers in Eurasia. ERG is introducing 3D visualisation of equipment accessible via QR codes. This technology facilitates both training and repairs: after a QR code is scanned with a smartphone camera, the object is displayed on the smartphone screen in 3D.
Virtual reality (VR) training courses are widely used in many colleges and universities, including ERG’s own Corporate University. ERG’s specialists took this practice forward via embedding 3D images of equipment at the operation in QR codes. Accordingly, one can see the 3D image of the object in question, quickly examine its structure, locate the malfunction and find ways to fix it efficiently.
Such digital assistant implemented at ERG’s iron ore enterprise in Kazakhstan offers a great opportunity for experienced employees to refurbish their knowledge, while being also a convenient tool for training new uses. Application of VR opens up new opportunities for improving process efficiency and productivity and is a key to ensuring highest possible level of safety. This technology helps speed up diagnostics and repairs of the equipment and reduce the amount of time required for planning and design. By adopting these innovations, ERG can significantly boost the performance and overall competitiveness of its iron ore unit.
Mr Mikhail Shestakov, a talent development manager, said: “The idea of providing access to 3D images of specific equipment at workplace was given by the Head of Iron Ore Division, General Director of SSGPO JSC Mr Sergey Kuzmenko during a regular inspection of production facilities. For instance, at a pre-shift meeting, someone is being assigned the task of replacing the cellular shaft of a suction filter. What does it look like? Where is it? How to unscrew it? One can answer these questions correctly by scanning the QR code and looking at 3D images on their phone.
QR codes are being placed on equipment at production sites. The links are also available on workstations. Currently there are 75 such items on the list already: the pilot project has been launched at the factory’s processing site. These can be used to provide visual materials for discussions of repairs at the meetings of repair units and at shift meetings.