Canada’s Yukon Mine Training Association (YMTA) has taken its training initiative to the next level with the introduction of two new ThoroughTec Cybermine surface and underground mining simulator systems. Recognising the value of simulators for safety (a theme of IM’s June issue), the YMTA has purchased four ‘plug-and-play’ interchangeable simulator cabs to cover four critical mining processes; hauling, drilling, digging and loading. The cabs chosen by YMTA to provide a complete training solution include the:
- Komatsu PC1250 Excavator
- Caterpillar 773F Haul Truck
- Sandvik DD420 Drill Rig
- Sandvik EJC115LP Load Haul Dumper
The YMTA is a partnership between the Yukon’s mining- and resource-related industries and the First Nations. YMTA is committed to working together to maximise employment opportunities emerging from the growth of mining and related resource sectors in the North for First Nations and other Yukoners. The YMTA also ensures that safety training is developed and delivered, meeting industry standards.
Tracy Thomas, Executive Director at the YMTA said, “… the key criterion that allowed the YMTA to make its decision was the availability of cabs from ThoroughTec for equipment used in the Yukon and Northern BC. ThoroughTec had the advantage in terms of specific kits for the Yukon market, having both underground and surface simulators.”
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 platforms are based on latest generation electric actuators which impart accurate self motion perception cues such as acceleration, braking and suspension effects.
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 sub-system states, view the students’ operating violations as they occur and then replay exercises for after-action review and student debriefing.
In training mode, for in stance, the drill rig simulator shows 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 entire simulator system is housed in a well-appointed, self-contained ISO container that includes the motion platform and simulated cab, surrounded by a wide-angle projection display system and surround sound audio. The instructor station is situated next to the simulated cab for one-on-one student/instructor interaction.
According to Chris Magistrale, North American Business Development Manager at ThoroughTec (Canada), “Cybermine simulators perform a crucial function in training students efficiently and cost effectively. The simulators allow students to apply the theory learned in the classroom to practice, without endangering lives and increasing unnecessary wear and tear on the real machinery.”
Due to the continuous demand for increased production, operators are often forced to operate heavy machinery without sufficient training in extracting the optimum performance out of the equipment being operated. Although this brings short term revenue gains, the consequential losses in the long term are enormous, yet often unseen and misunderstood by production management teams. Simulators bridge the gap between theory and optimal operation of the actual equipment, without the reduced efficiencies (and therefore loss of production) in training on the real thing. Not only that, but simulators offer the unique capability of training the operator to react safely and efficiently to emergency situations such as brake failure or engine fire, with no safety hazard – impossible to execute in any other manner.
The YMTA has big plans for simulators according to Tracy Thomas, “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. There will be an open house arranged with the simulators on show, inviting industry, students and the media in to visit and experience the simulators and broadcast their arrival.”
ThoroughTec has been designing and manufacturing simulators for over 20 years and is the number one simulator systems supplier to the South African military and claims to be “the largest supplier of both surface and underground simulators to the mining and construction industries globally, with over 490 simulator units deployed worldwide.”
