Safety is of paramount importance in mining operations, and none more so than the safety of the underground tunnel environment. Mistakes made in the bolting operation are costly, not only in revenue terms, but may endanger many lives unnecessarily. The effective training of operators of bolter machinery is therefore crucial for both optimising the safety of the operating environment and minimising operating costs.

The CyberMINE™ bolter simulator system was developed in collaboration with several of the larger equipment manufacturers to provide for the training, re-training and evaluation of operators of this equipment in an underground mining environment.

The system consists of one wide-screen, high resolution projected display on which the functional simulated vehicle is displayed within a 3D virtual underground world.

The operator executes all bolting tasks from a standing position next to a mock-up of the left side of the vehicle.

The complexity of the bolt head is simulated in 3D and replicated vehicle interfaces provide the ability for the operator to control boom and bolter head operations, including boom swing, rotation and tilt, and all bolter head operations, including operator interaction with the head. All aspects of the bolting operation are simulated by detailed mathematical models, which are based on manufacturers’ specifications in order to provide a highly realistic experience in which safety and productivity aspects of the bolting operation are vividly appreciated.

The entire assembly is attractively housed within a 6m ISO container, suitably fitted and adapted to provide a low light enclosure for the simulation.

 Print specifications

This is where the 3D Tour will display...