Australian educational institution Holmesglen Institute – a “leading and diversified” technical and further education institution – will acquire two “highly advanced”, fifth-generation CYBERMINE simulators, to train underground equipment operators.

The Sandvik DS421-C and DD420 simulators from South African manufacturer ThoroughTec Simulation will enhance Holmesglen’s training offering in the mining and tunnelling sector.

The simulators will be deployed at the Australia-first, Victorian Tunnelling Centre at the Drummond Street campus in Chadstone, Victoria, which offers specialist training to workers in the mining, construction and tunnelling sectors.

Holmesglen’s Centre for Energy and Infrastructure associate director Dr Ross Digby says 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.”

ThoroughTec Simulation business development manager Joel Leatt-Hayter says 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. Both machines are extremely complex pieces of equipment requiring a high degree of proficiency to operate safely and efficiently,” says Leatt-Hayter.

The 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 preparing them for conditions underground.

As an example, Leatt-Hayter continues, operators can be exposed to jammed drill bits or even vehicle fires, which obviously would be difficult to safely replicate on the actual equipment. It is 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.

The 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. The simulators offer a lot of flexibility to customise training. We’ll be able to meet changing project needs over time too,” says Digby.

The two simulators being delivered to Holmesglen will be deployed on a CYBERMINE five base unit, which features full high-definition 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.

About ThoroughTec Simulation

ThoroughTec Simulation has been designing advanced, hi-fidelity training simulators for over 20 years, during which time, the company has grown into one of the world’s leading training technology organisations, supplying the mining, military, construction and fire and rescue sectors.

In the mining sector, ThoroughTec is the only ISO9001 supplier in this highly specialised industry, applying MIL-STD engineering practices to its CYBERMINE range of simulators, which cater to both surface and underground mechanised operations. Through its partnerships with some of the largest mining companies and training institutions in the world, ThoroughTec has established itself as “the leading supplier in the industry”, deploying hundreds of simulators around the globe.

Notably, ThoroughTec’s portfolio of off-the-shelf products is now “the largest on the market”, representing almost 200 unique equipment models across the full spectrum of mechanised mining machines, from all the major original-equipment manufacturers.

Beyond simulation, ThoroughTec’s development team continues to innovate and in recent years its efforts have focused on providing turnkey workforce optimisation solutions to the mining sector, culminating in its revolutionary, WX Training Management System and WX Analytics.

With all products developed and manufactured in-house, clients are assured of organic compatibility and harmonised support.

ThoroughTec’s state-of-the-art research and development and production headquarters are in Durban, South Africa, with satellite sales and support offices located in Perth, Santiago, Toronto, Salt Lake City, Moscow and Shanghai, to service all the major mining markets.