Tools of the Trade

AUSTRALIA’S MINING MONTHLY – AUGUST 2013

A training simulator specialist has launched a range of online and classroom-based training tools in response to industry demand. South Africa-based ThoroughTec said it had developed a range of supplementary training tools to complement its CYBERMINE high-fidelity simulator systems. Working in collaboration with mining companies and e-learning specialists, ThoroughTec developed a solution made up of three levels of specialised training tools, which are aimed at assisting miners working to establish and train a workforce of vehicle, operators.

The CYBERMINE Computer Based Trainer (CBT) is an introductory level tool developed to walk novice recruits through a particular vehicle’s basic controls and operation, as well as the mine environment, site operating procedures and safety checks. It makes use of 2D and 3D computer animations, video, audio and still photographs displayed on a high performance, off-the-shelf PC. All users and their results can be recorded on a central database. Once the trainee has mastered the theory on the CBT, the Operator Familiarisation Trainer (OFT) is used to increase the depth of their knowledge.

“A turnkey training solution that would ensure a high throughput of trainee operators as cost effectively as possible.”

ThoroughTec said the OFT operated as an alternative, limited function base-unit for CYBERMINE’s high-fidelity. interchangeable vehicle cabs and was designed to familiarise operators with the identification and operation of the instruments and controls of a specific vehicle. Students interface with the OFT system via a touch screen display and through the various instruments and controls of the replicated cab.

Exploration, training and evaluation modes allow for a complete familiarisation, learning and evaluation process) while all users and results can be recorded on a central database. Also recently developed is the CYBERMINE mine visualiser, a classroom-based training tool that provides an overview of the mine and its operations.

ThoroughTec global business development executive vice-president and director Greg Lew said the company had worked closely with BHP Billiton and Northparkes Mines to provide a turnkey training solution that would ensure a high throughput of trainee operators as cost effectively as possible. “Both the OFT and the high-fidelity simulator can utilise any of the current CYBERMINE vehicle cabs, allowing the customer to double their use of the cab and therefore providing optimal return on their investment:’ he said. “The trainer can literally walk their students through a mine pointing out different machines in operation, potential hazards, how different factors affect productivity and showing how an operator’s actions have a knock-on effect on the operation of an entire mine.

“CYBERMINE simulator systems are used around the world by original equipment manufacturers. Mine sites, induction training, emergency procedure familiarisation, refresher training and upskilling of experienced operators. By working with these institutions we have established practical, workable methods to get the most out of their training investments, including their trainers:’ By doing this we have taken a significant step forward in achieving our” ultimate goal – safer. more productive mines,”