Article by Shannon Hampton, courtesy of The West Australian.
14.08.2025
Have you ever wanted to know what it would be like to operate a haul truck on one of WA’s iron ore mines?
What about loading a mammoth iron ore ship at one of WA’s most critical ports ready to be exported across the globe?
Well, here’s your chance.
Hancock Iron Ore, in partnership with Viewport XR, have developed a ground-breaking, interactive experience which gives people the opportunity to see what iron ore mining life is like.
The Mini Mine experience will be on show at the Resources Technology Showcase after being worked on for almost a year — and being tested on dozens of kids of Hancock Iron Ore employees to shape the final product.
Eight players at a time will be able to explore and interact in the Mini Mine — with a little bit of friendly competition thrown in too.
Hancock Iron Ore executive general manager of information management and technology Kate Flanagan said the project used gamification to “showcase mining in a truly unique and engaging way”.
“Mining is an incubator for cutting edge tech and, with the guidance of our executive chairman Mrs (Gina) Rinehart, we’re excited to be leading from the front in bringing Mini Mine VR to the Resources Technology Showcase,” she said.
“This initiative is part of Hancock Iron Ore’s broader commitment to implementing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation, to support our commitment to safety and productivity.
“Mining is the key to extracting the minerals needed for future prosperity, and technology will play a key role in supporting that goal.
”Tommy Chatfield, 8, and Harper Chatfield, 12, were given a sneak peak of the game on Wednesday and gave their tick of approval.
“Flying the drone was my favourite bit, it was like being a mining detective – out there searching for the ore,” Tommy said.
“Loading the ship was tricky, I had to keep it balanced or I’d lose points. It made me think how this is done in real life on the big ships in Port Hedland – I’d really like to go there and see that.”
Harper said the experience was “awesome”.
“There is so much to see and do, you can be part of the whole mining process. I really liked planting the seeds at the end. It showed that mining isn’t just about digging, it’s about looking after the land too,” she said.
“It was so realistic. I didn’t just play the game, I felt like I was the miner.”
The Resources and Technology Showcase celebrates the critical intersection of innovation, education and Western Australia’s world-leading resources sector.
As well as Hancock Iron Ore, other exhibitors include BHP, Rio Tinto, WesTrac, Fortescue, INPEX and Mineral Resources along with many others.
The three-day event is held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from Sunday to Tuesday. Entry is free but registration is required.