M&R Cementation's mock-up mine
Mining contractor Murray & Roberts (M&R) Cementation has unveiled a mechanised mining mock-up facility, which provides equipment operators and supervisors with a more realistic learning experience.
The facility simulates the conditions of a working underground mine and comprises a fully immersive learning experience across the underground mining value chain.
The mock-up mine comprises a 3.5-m- high structure covering 1 125 m2, which, together with equipment, required an investment of over R35-million.
The facility is located at the company’s Bentley Park complex, near Carletonville, in Gauteng.
Learners not only experience the look and feel of an underground bord-and-pillar mine, but even have the smells and sounds of such an operation, explains M&R Cementation education, training and development executive Tony Pretorius.
To build skills, operators need to put their theoretical learning into practice – but the pressurised production environment of a real mine is often not the ideal location.
The mock-up facility provides a safe and low-cost learning environment where learners can practise their skills without hindering production or compromising safety.