A Unity3D gamified tool for froth flotation training

• Simulator-based training boosts industrial education, but the minerals sector lags behind due to limited evaluation efforts. • A froth flotation training game in Unity3D, using first-principles modeling, offers a low-cost alternative to traditional methods. • 25 industry experts evaluated the game, praising its quality, efficiency, and engagement, while noting areas for future improvement. With the advancement of technology, many educators have started implementing technology enhanced tools like simulators and gamified learning applications to improve the training of industrial production staff. Currently, most operators in the mineral process industry are taught by traditional methods like slide presentations and hand-written exercises with a heavy focus on memorization. To facilitate the knowledge transfer from experienced to novice operators, a gamified educational tool was developed aiming to teach the core knowledge of the froth flotation process, with potential to teach the whole concentration process. Unity3D was used to develop the game based on a first-principles flotation model. This article presents a description of the application, as well as a questionnaire and the evaluation of the game by 25 experts in this field.