CYBERSPACE

AUSTRALIA’S MINING MONTHLY – NOVEMBER 2012

Training simulator manufacturer ThoroughTec has launched a range of simulator cabs for trainee miners. South African company ThoroughTec released its fourth generation CYBERMINE simulator cabs and promoted its training solutions at MINExpo.

The simulator cabs included the Komatsu 960E haul truck, Atlas Copco Boltec MC and Sandvik Dual Boom DD420 Drill. “This suite of systems will provide mining companies with a modern and holistic training process,” ThoroughTec executive director Dr John Waltham said.

“Each simulator cab has been purpose-built to utilise the latest and most effective training and evaluation tools technology has to offer.”

“The firm’s expanded training solution involves transforming new trainee miners into productive operators.”

It’s a turnkey training solution that optimises training outcomes and returns on investment.” ThoroughTec’s Australian headquarters are in Perth, Western Australia.

It also has offices in Durban, South Africa; Toronto, Canada; and in Santiago, Chile. The firm’s expanded training solution involves transforming new trainee miners into productive operators.

Features of the CYBERMlNE training system include three major learning components: the computer-based trainer, the operator familiarisation trainer and the full mission simulator.

According to ThoroughTec, these components cover every facet of the learning process. The system is linked by a central database, where all users can record their results and then combine them to determine a training strategy. Additionally, ThoroughTec launched its CYBERMINE CBT, Which is used for teaching trainee operators the theory needed to operate mining equipment.

The CBT system uses photographic still shots, two-dimensional and three dimensional computer animations and site video, which is overlaid with audio to “walk” the trainee through the controls and equipment operation.

ThoroughTec’s training systems have been purchased by BHP Billiton for its Khutala coal mine, which is located 55km from Witbank in South Africa’s Mpumalanga province. It is also being used for Rio Tinto’s Northparkes copper and gold mine in New South Wales.