The immersive installation is housed in a sleek 6-metre diameter Igloo cylinder, fitted with:
While the system now enhances daily operations at Thiess HQ, its modular, packable design means it remains fully deployable for off-site showcases like MINExpo, bringing immersive mine visualisation to clients, events, and exhibitions anywhere in the world.
“As the technology continues to evolve, and we evolve with the Igloo, we’ll be able to show them our mine plans with updates on what we’re doing, using this immersive theatre rather than actually visiting site.”
Chris Lyons
Client Engagement Manager, Theiss
Described by Thiess as a “giant VR headset you can stand in”, the immersive theatre is reshaping how Thiess engages with its internal teams and external stakeholders.
As well as providing a show-stopping immersive trade show experience at MINExpo, the cylinder now serves as a tool for training and inductions with new employees which is crucial for offering a realistic simulation of what it’s like to go into a mine – something which most have never done before.
Being able to do this in a risk-free environment means Thiess can save both money and time on travel to site, but also ensure their staff are properly trained before accessing a dangerous site.
The cylinder also provides a space for stakeholder engagement, where Thiess can take stakeholders, clients and internal teams through live mine plans in real time. Again, this saves vital time and money and ensures the project is well communicated within the business.
The impact? Clearer communication, better engagement, and fewer physical site visits - reducing cost, risk, and environmental impact.
“If someone has never been to a mine site before – which is true of many of our new starters - it’s an easy way to show them what a mine site looks like.”
Chris Lyons
Client Engagement Manager, Theiss
The Igloo installation is already proving to be more than just a presentation tool. As the team continues to expand its content capabilities, including drone footage, dynamic simulations, and point-cloud environments, the immersive space is evolving into a collaborative, multi-purpose asset.
With flexible portability, Thiess plans to take the system on the road to tradeshows and industry events, amplifying its message and capabilities to a wider audience.
“From everything we’ve done with it, the theatre is adaptable to what we bring to it.”
Chris Lyons
Client Engagement Manager, Theiss
“It feels really nice, beautiful imagery on the screen. It’s a nice, open experience, like you’re out in the mines.”
Chris Lyons
Client Engagement Manager, Theiss
