How do you make heavy industry tangible for someone who has never set foot in a mine?
Boliden wanted a format that could engage both internal and external audiences – future employees, partners, students, and decision-makers – by opening the door to the people, skills, and innovation that power their operations. The goal was not only to inform, but to inspire curiosity and long-term interest.
Tarvalley had previously delivered simpler VR360 experiences for the company, giving viewers a chance to visit different mining environments. But technology – and audience expectations – evolve quickly. Together, we set out to create a next-generation platform: more immersive, more interactive, and built to leave a lasting impression.
The new solution starts in a virtual mine environment where users are welcomed into an interactive menu. From here they can choose which storyline to explore. The architecture is expandable by design, but the first release introduced several key scenarios aligned with Boliden’s strategic priorities.
Visitors could follow the daily work of a prospecting geologist, stand next to enormous electric haul trucks in Aitik, explore remote-controlled operations, and step inside advanced research environments. Each storyline blended knowledge, atmosphere, and participation.
To maximize realism while maintaining cinematic control, we combined filmed VR180 sequences with fully 3D-generated environments. This approach gave us higher visual fidelity and stronger narrative direction, while still delivering spatial presence. Within each scenario, users encountered an expert guide – someone who could demonstrate procedures, explain why tasks are performed, and connect everyday actions to broader strategic goals.
Interactivity became the bridge between watching and understanding.
Participants could, for example, examine drill cores under ultraviolet light or remotely operate machinery via simulated interfaces. Gamified elements encouraged exploration and helped reinforce learning outcomes, ensuring users walked away thinking, that was impressive – I want to know more.
Behind the experience stood a comprehensive production effort. Tarvalley led the entire initiative: project management, scripts, casting, shot planning, filming logistics, and post-production. For the digital components, we created 3D assets, animations, and extensive development inside Unreal Engine, always prioritizing usability, clarity, and intuitive movement between narrative and interaction.
The outcome is not a one-off installation.
It is a platform.
New scenarios can continuously be added, enabling Boliden to highlight additional professions, technologies, and milestones while reinforcing long-term strategic communication.
For Tarvalley, the collaboration demonstrated how immersive media can humanize complex industries. By putting people at the center of advanced operations, we help organizations show not only what they do, but why it matters.
From rock face to research lab –
now only a headset away.
