Simulated Success

INTERNATIONAL MINING – OCTOBER 2010

Early this year Exxaro’s Grootegeluk Coal Mine in Limpopo, South Africa, which operates the world’s largest coal beneficiation complex, again selected ThoroughTec Simulation as its simulator systems provider of choice after an exhaustive open tender supplier evaluation process.

ThoroughTec offers the range of CYBERMINE Simulators. In keeping with Exxaro’s commitment to operational excellence and high safety standards, the CYBERMINE Simulator will be an integral component of training procedures at the mine.

In addition to the CYBERMINE Simulator (fitted with a six degree-of-freedom motion platform), Exxaro has purchased ‘plug-and play’ interchangeable cabs to simulate both the Komatsu 730E haul truck and P&H 2300 electric shovel. Grootegeluk also opted to purchase the development of an ‘own-mine world’ which will accurately replicate the topography and operating conditions of the open pit to provide trainee truck and shovel operators with the highest possible realism during training.

“It has taken their training initiative to the next level with the introduction of two new CYBERMINE surface and underground simulator systems.”

The simulated cab is the heart of ThoroughTec’s simulators – a realistic replica of the actual equipment, with fully functional simulated instruments and controls mounted on a high-end motion platform providing accurate motion perception cues. The cab is surrounded by a wide angle, high- resolution projection display system coupled with surround sound audio. Control of all training aspects is exercised in real time from a feature rich instructor station. The entire system is housed in a well-appointed, self-contained ISO container, which also facilitates ease of transport.

Training in the Yukon
Canada’s Yukon Mine Training Association (YMTA) has introduced two new ThoroughTec simulators from for its training programs. It has taken their training initiative to the next level with the introduction of two new CYBERMINE surface and underground simulator systems. YMTA is a partnership between the Yukon’s mining- and resource-related industries and the First Nations. Its aim is to maximise employment opportunities emerging from the growth of the mining and related resource sectors in the North for First Nations and other Yukoners. The YMTA ensures that safety training is developed and delivered, meeting industry standards.

It chose four ‘plug-and-play’ interchangeable simulator cabs to cover four critical processes of drilling, digging, loading and hauling using four cabs to provide a complete training solution: Komatsu PC1250 excavator, Caterpillar 773F truck, Sandvik DD420 drill jumbo, Sandvik EJC115LP LHD.

The two surface simulator cabs will operate on a six degree-of-freedom motion platform whilst the two underground simulator cabs operate on a three degree-of-freedom motion platform. Both are based on latest generation electric actuators which impart accurate self motion perception cues such as acceleration, braking and suspension effects. ThoroughTec says CYBERMINE Simulators offer a feature rich instructor station giving the instructor the ability to set up and modify a set of standard exercises, inject faults randomly or on command, view historical and real-time graphs of subsystem states, view the students’ operating violations as they occur and then replay exercises for after-action review and student debriefing. The instructor station is situated next to the simulated cab for one-on-one student/instructor interaction.

The jumbo simulator for instance, in training mode shows the students the correct drill placement position and drilling path. The student is then scored and assessed according to correct operational procedures. Historical reports can then be compared to assess a student’s progression.

The YMTA has big plans for simulators according to Tracy Thomas, Executive Director. “The simulators are going to be integrated into other programs, such as the Heavy Equipment Operator training program, in order to facilitate complete learning for the students. Students will be able to graduate with classroom, simulator and then hands on training, which will increase their employability to the Yukon industry.”