Virtual Mining World – Drilling Simulators

GEODRILLING INTERNATIONAL – FEBRUARY 2014

In our underground simulator range, two simulator vehicles, the Sandvik DD420 and Atlas Copco 282 dual-boom drill rigs, are receiving upgrades to their software to augment their functionality. The upgrades include the ability to use the rig as a scaler and bolter over and above their normal drilling function.

By modifying how the drill rods interact with the virtual mining world, the operator can use the drill rods to scale loose rock and also handle the positioning of mesh/screens. Utilising drill rigs to accomplish drilling, scaling, bolting and meshing is not an OEM modification or development, but rather a client adaptation of their equipment that we were then requested to remodel in our simulators.

“A mine’s safety, productivity and operating costs are directly affected by the proficiency of its equipment operators.”

In our surface drilling range we are currently working on expanding our offering to clients. We have the Sandvik DR580, Bucyrus/CAT 49HR and Atlas Copco Pit Viper 271 simulator cabs in development, all commissioned on clients’ orders. These new additions will complement our existing P&H320 and P&H250 blast-hole drill-rig simulators.

What are some issues that training with simulators can help overcome?
A mine’s safety, productivity and operating costs are directly affected by the proficiency of its equipment operators. Simulator systems have the capacity to improve this proficiency in a cost-effective and quantifiable manner, which has led to an increase in acceptance of the technology by mining companies around the world.

Simulators also greatly assist in reducing a site’s negative impact on the environment. Excessive fuel consumption, tyre damage and unnecessary machine wear are far more likely with operators new to heavy machinery.

What are some typical problems faced on job sites, and how can simulators help solve these?
An issue that affects almost all mine sites is the accuracy of drill holes. Correct positioning of the drill head and alignment of the boom takes time, which affects production, and even if positioned correctly, the operator cannot see what the drill rod is doing once it enters the rock face. Misalignment of drill holes could result in a poor blast and therefore poor outbreak, which has many implications down the production line.

CYBERMINE simulators are supplied with various training tools, the first of which are training guides to assist students in correctly aligning the drill boom to the grade lines and drill holes.

Once the student has mastered the positioning of the drill boom, these guides can be switched off for a more ‘real world’ simulation. The simulators also give the student the opportunity to view the ‘world’ behind the rock face. The instructor is able to ‘fly around’ the virtual world and peer behind the rock face, showing the student the impact of his/her drilling actions.

What has demand for your products been like in 2013, and what have been your strongest markets?
Although some regions are still experiencing the after-effects of the global financial crisis, the demand for simulators is still increasing as mines begin to understand the benefits thereof. Initiatives that can improve safety, productivity and environmental impact are more critical now than ever before.

Traditionally, South Africa has always been our stronghold, although in recent years we have experienced a surge in sales from North and South America, at times even eclipsing demand in South Africa. There has also been a notable increase in demand from Central Asia, China and India.

In GDI’s December 2012 issue, we reported that ThoroughTec was moving into the European mining market. How is this progressing?
Interest in Europe is definitely increasing, specifically in eastern European countries where mining and exploration is progressing at a rapid pace. We are currently establishing a regional presence to cater for language differences and sustain our sales and support effort for clients in the region.

Any other news you would like to share with our readers?
To complement its existing range of CYBERMINE full-mission simulators, ThoroughTec now offers other training technologies such as computer-based training and operator-familiarisation tools for a complete mine-site training solution.

The CYBERMINE Computer-Based Training module (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.

Once trainees have mastered the theory within the CBT, the Operator Familiarisation Trainer (OFT) is used to increase the depth of their knowledge.