Growing Demand for Simulation Training

SA MINING – JUNE 2014

With the demand for training simulation growing in the mining industry, the need to simulate equipment from a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is becoming more crucial, reports ThoroughTec Simulation.

For example, over the last year and a half, the global training simulator provider has introduced over 20 high fidelity CYBERMINE simulator cab types. This included simulators for a number of CAT models, including underground ADTs, LHDs, a rope shovel, an articulated truck and a haul truck. Greg Lew, executive vice-president and director for global business development at ThoroughTec, says “We have nearly doubled the number of CAT simulator cabs developed.”

“This included simulators for a number of CAT models, including underground ADTs, LHDs, a rope shovel, an articulated truck and a haul truck.”

Today, ThoroughTec has the largest deployment of CAT underground advanced simulators: As a major OEM, CAT reports that its mining equipment can be found around the world, and it is becoming more common that its simulated equivalent can be found on site too. For example, one of Canada’s major oil sands producers, Syncrude, chose ThoroughTec to supply it with five simulator cabs, including three CAT models: a dozer, haul truck and a grader. BHP Billiton’s Hotazel mine in South Africa has a simulator for a CAT LHD and Kazakhstan’s mining giant Kazakhmys’ recent order included a CAT haul truck and a front end loader simulator cab currently being developed by ThoroughTec.

Swakop Uranium in Namibia has already started to receive its simulators, including four CAT cabs – two shovels and two surface drill rigs. Mining houses are recognising that training simulators are a worthwhile and useful investment. At Rio Tinto’s massive Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Mongolia, ThoroughTec’s fourth generation CYBERMINE simulators are being used. “We’ve received reports from Oyu Tolgoi that they’re using their simulators for up to 20 hours a day,” says Lew. This includes cabs for an ADT, bolter, LHD and a shotcrete sprayer from three different OEMs. “Offering a diverse and extensive range of cabs from many of the OEMs means mines can get the most out of their simulators, with the safety and productivity benefits realised in the actual mining fleet,” says Lew.