Holmesglen Institute, a leading and diversified TAFE (technical and further education) operating throughout Victoria, Australia, will acquire two highly-advanced, fifth generation CYBERMINE simulators to train underground equipment operators.
The Sandvik DS421-C and DD420 simulators from ThoroughTec Simulation will enhance Holmesglen’s training offering in the mining and tunnelling sector, it said. The simulators will be deployed at the Australia-first, Victorian Tunnelling Centre at (Drummond Street campus) in Chadstone, Victoria, which offers specialist training to workers in the mining, construction and tunnelling sectors.
Associate Director of Holmesglen’s Centre for Energy and Infrastructure, Dr Ross Digby, said there was high demand for innovative immersive training.
“The new simulators at Holmesglen will teach underground workers practical skills in a safe, controlled and highly realistic setting that reproduces a variety of site conditions and scenarios,” he said.
Business Development Manager at ThoroughTec Simulation, Joel Leatt-Hayter, said the training simulators will help workers familiarise themselves with widely used machinery in Australia.
“The Sandvik DD420 drill rig is an immensely popular tunnelling drill rig used and proven throughout the world, while the Sandvik DS421-C is a rock reinforcement bolter for specialised cement grouted, cable bolt installations,” Leatt-Hayter. “Both machines are extremely complex pieces of equipment requiring a high degree of proficiency to operate safely and efficiently.”
CYBERMINE simulator systems are extremely effective at preparing operators for the challenges and complexity of real-world mining, allowing operators to hone their skills in a controlled, safe environment while being exposed to a wide array of scenarios, many of which would be impossible to train otherwise and consequently better prepare them for conditions underground, Holmesglen Institute said.
“As an example, operators can be exposed to jammed drill bits or even vehicle fires, which obviously would be difficult to safely replicate on the actual equipment,” Leatt-Hayter said. “It’s vital that operators are accurate in positioning the rig and booms to ensure accurate patterns are drilled and optimal blasts achieved. Of equal importance is the correct application of feed pressure, rotation speeds and percussion to maximise work rate without compromising drill string life.”
Holmesglen Institute has developed strong relationships with industry partners to develop and provide customised training for workers at its Drummond Street campus.
“Our aim is to give industry partners the training solutions they need for their projects and create the best possible learning experience for workers,” Dr Digby said. “The simulators offer a lot of flexibility to customise training. We’ll be able to meet changing project needs over time too.”
The two simulators being delivered to Holmesglen Institute will be deployed on a CYBERMINE 5 Base Unit which features full HD laser projected displays, 5.1 surround sound, and an advanced instructor station to develop customised training exercises and monitor students in real time. The system also features comprehensive debriefing and reporting facilities to further enhance student skill development and knowledge retention.