Northern Manitoba Mining Academy Acquires High-Tech Simulators

MINING.COM – NOVEMBER 2010

For its training programs, NMMA already counts on two CYBERMINE Simulators, supplied by ThoroughTec and acquired with funding provided under the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement.

The simulators include load haul dumpers (LHDs) and articulated dump trucks (ADTs), which are modelled on specific Sandvik and Atlas Copco underground mining equipment. These two systems will be stationed at Hudbay Minerals in Flin Flon and Vale Inco in Thompson. Each one will be delivered with customized virtual mine worlds that are based on the actual Hudbay Minerals and Vale Inco mine sites. The idea is to allow operators to train and get used to the underground mining environment in which they will be operating the actual equipment, without even venturing underground.

“This requires continuous training and rejuvenation of the workforce.”

The complexity and cost of modern mechanized mining equipment calls for highly skilled operators that are required to consistently achieve high production targets while maintaining exceptionally high levels of safety. This requires continuous training and rejuvenation of the workforce.

“CYBERMINE Simulators are perfectly suited to address this need and will assist the NMMA in achieving its mandate of providing relevant mine-related training to the mining community of Northern Manitoba,” says Chris Magistrale, Business Development Manager at ThoroughTec Simulation (Canada). “Using the simulator will ensure that students receive the best possible training and are well prepared for the mining environment,” he adds.

Dr. Kathryn McNaughton believes that the soon-to-be operative mining academy has been very fortunate to obtain, far before it opens its doors to students, the latest technology in automated underground mining equipment simulators. This sort of equipment has never before been available in the province. From now until March 2011, the consortium will be focused on finishing the new facilities, attracting highly skilled academics with a strong background in geology and building the curriculum that will make this new mining school unique.