Simulator-based Training: Getting it Right, Without Risk

ENGINEERING & MINING JOURNAL – FEBRUARY 2015

SUCCESS, STEP BY STEP
Other simulator systems providers are following a similar approach. Richard Bellengere, executive vice president–operations at Durban, South Africa-based ThoroughTec Simulation, told E&MJ that clients are beginning to understand the importance of a systematic approach, and “want to work closely with a simulator provider so they can be provided with a complete training solution and assistance in developing training programs. They no longer want just a simulator but a step-by-step program that can train an operator from novice to fully trained in an efficient and cost-effective way.”

Bellengere also confirmed that demand is increasing. “Once our biggest order to date is fulfilled for a major client in South Africa, the mine site will have more than 10 CYBERMINE simulators as well as the CBT system as part of their operator training program. A mining major in Mexico recently ordered a CBT system to bolster their existing CYBERMINE simulators. This includes a CBT covering the Sandvik DD320 drill rig.”

“We are seeing greater awareness among mining houses when it comes to the massive benefits that operator training simulators bring to the table.”

“We are definitely seeing greater awareness among mining houses when it comes to the massive benefits that operator training simulators bring to the table. Our CYBERMINE CBT is proving popular, particularly in Africa and Latin America. This introductory level eLearning tool walks novice recruits through a particular vehicle’s basic controls and operation, as well as the environment, site operating procedures and safety checks.”

“CBT and the CYBERMINE Operator Familiarization Trainer (OFT) complement our high fidelity CYBERMINE simulators,” he continued. “The OFT acts as a bridging mechanism and an alternative, limited function base-unit to the CYBERMINE interchangeable vehicle cab simulators. It’s designed to familiarize operators with the identification and operation of the instruments and controls of a specific vehicle. Students interface with the OFT system via touch-screen display and through the various instruments and controls of the replicated cab. Three different modes (Exploration, Training and Evaluation Modes) allow for a complete familiarization, learning and evaluation process, while all users and results can be recorded on a central database.”

“We’re continuously working on ensuring that the simulator and the whole training experience is providing maximum benefit to the operator,” said Bellengere. “This is why we developed a feature such as [underground] drill hole guidelines so the operator can see the ideal hole’s position, both in terms of location and angle into the rock face. This is available during the exercise and post-exercise in report and after-action review.

“The instructor can also use the ‘fly around’ function to go behind the rock face that’s being drilled for closer analysis of the operator’s performance,” Bellengere explained. “This helps operators visualize what is occurring behind the rock face should they apply too much pressure on the drill rods or enter from the wrong angle for instance. This is something that’s unique to ThoroughTec’s CYBERMINE simulators.”