Simulators will play an important role in underground machine operator training. Atlas Copco's Boomer M2 Cs will be important development jumbos and the mine already has an Atlas Copco simulator for these machines.

ThoroughTec Simulation delivered two CYBERMlNE⁴ underground mining simulator base units to the mine in 2011. The CYBERMINE⁴ range is ThoroughTec’s fourth generation of mining simulators and is upgraded with many new features including a full 360° panoramic display, enhanced reporting software, and two HD instructor screens in an improved classroom like design.

In addition to purchasing the two containerised simulator base units, OT also purchased plug-and-play simulator cabs for: an Atlas Copco Boltec MC, a Sandvik Toro4D, a Sandvik LH517 and a Shotcrete Sprayer to be based on the Normet Spraymec 1050. The specified cabs have been purposely chosen to cover the main development activities at the mine and will afford all employees valuable training experience following their classroom induction.

ThoroughTec notes that although OT has purchased underground mining simulator base units, for open-pit operator training it “will still be able to purchase surface mining cabs in the future and operate them on the underground simulator base unit with a unique cross-platform adaptor kit and surface mine world, significantly lowering the total cost of ownership".

To increase the training experience gains from the simulator, ThoroughTec will be developing a custom CYBERMINE World which will accurately replicate the tunnel geometry and operating conditions of Hugo North mine.

Students can therefore be familiar with its underground mining environment before venturing underground.