TRAINING & SIMS
JCHX ’ s world class Miyun facility
Leading Chinese mining contractor JCHX Mining Management currently operates seven , hi-fidelity CYBERMINE simulators from ThoroughTec , establishing itself as the leading user of advanced mining equipment simulators in East Asia . These are mainly located at its advanced training centre in Miyun County , just outside Beijing . This facility has proven invaluable as JCHX has rapidly expanded its influence overseas , for example it is the contractor at the huge Ivanhoe / Zijin Kamoa-Kakula copper mine in DRC , the CNMC Chambishi copper mine and the KCM Konkola and Lubambe copper mines in Zambia , and Zijin ’ s Timok copper mine in Serbia .
JCHX first embraced simulator training in 2014 , for the training of underground development drill and shotcrete sprayer operators . Within a very short space of time the benefits of this technology motivated JCHX Mining Management to further expand their systems with the acquisition of five additional CYBERMINE hi-fidelity simulators , now catering for LHD , dump truck , roof bolter ( two types ) and production drill operator training .
These simulators were all new developments , produced specifically for JCHX Mining Management by ThoroughTec , one of which , an Epiroc Cabletec LC bolter was the first of its class simulated anywhere in the world . Other sims cover training for the Epiroc 282 drill rig , Normet 1050 shotcrete sprayer , Sandvik LH410 LHD , DS411 bolter , Epiroc Simba 1354 long hole rig and Epiroc MT2010 dump truck .
The simulators have helped JCHX standardise training for all their operators as well as ensure their safety during training and subsequent operations . They have also been instrumental in developing their operators to become multi-skilled , versed in a variety of underground mining methods and machines . Most significantly though , the simulators have materially increased the speed at which new recruits have advanced to proficient operators , reducing the training time for complex equipment operators by as much as three months .
Doron ’ s side-by-side coordinated training
Doron Precision Systems offers the 700MV Series simulator product which can be used as single position for individual training but also for coordinated training where up to six simulators , using one instructor , each can be independently operated or all fully integrated . Two or more haul trucks , a shovel , a scraper and other vehicles can all be integrated into one scenario . The instructor can have multiple views and communicate with each trainee driver / operator .
This approach allows operators to properly communicate with each other as in the real world and integrated exercises can accurately replicate normal mine operations . The same digging and excavating operations can be observed by two or more operators / drivers . Positioning and loading operations can be made easier and dual side loading operations can be trained . Any emergencies can also be handled as a team .
The 700MV has a modular design ,
where the operator position of the simulator can be changed to an alternative type of vehicle in minutes . This approach allows training on several vehicle types without the expense of buying a unique simulator for each machine . The 700MV provides high-resolution flat-screen LED displays that are far superior to projection displays in brightness , contrast and resolution , with no maintenance or set-up required as in projection displays . All Doron simulators include dozens of short , targeted training scenarios , each with a specific training objective . Doron ’ s Scenario Developer tool also enables instructors to customise training to meet the individual mining companies training objectives . Instructors can quickly create new scenarios and modify existing scenarios . Doron ’ s recently improved physics model also ensures that each simulator type accurately represents the characteristics and performance of the equipment being simulated . Graham Upton , Doron ’ s Director of International Sales , states that recent product enhancements include an improved student feedback and scoring system as well as a recording and playback system for driver evaluation .
New simulator avenues – 5DT tackles bucketwheels
In 2018 , 5DT was commissioned by NLC India Ltd to develop an operator training simulator for a 1400 litre bucket-wheel excavator . The simulator was installed on a mine site in Neyveli , India in 2019 . The simulator was customised to accurately replicate NLC India ’ s mine site and their machine ’ s cabin .
Bucket-wheel excavators are complex and expensive machines .
Doron Precision Systems offers the 700MV Series simulator where up to six simulators , using one instructor , each can be independently operated or all fully integrated
This means that training operators to use the machine is a difficult process . Typically , new operators do not receive hands-on training , but have to observe experienced operators as they work . 5DT ’ s BWE simulator allows NLC India to give their new operators hands-on training without the risk of damaging the machine . The simulator also allows for experienced operators to be evaluated , which can increase efficiency and reduce downtime .
Another factor which makes bucket-wheel excavators uniquely complicated is that they require two operators : a cutting operator and a discharge boom operator . 5DT accommodates both operators with a single simulator , by providing the option to switch between the controls required by each operator . The armrests of the simulator ’ s seat make this possible . The controls required by the cutting operator are situated on one side of the armrests , and the controls required by the discharge boom operator are situated on the other side of the armrests . The armrests can be flipped around to switch between the different controls .
As with all of 5DT ’ s other simulators , the BWE simulator allows operators to go through various training scenarios and to practise specific procedures or emergencies . Operators start with easy procedures , and procedures then become increasingly difficult . The simulator allows for risk-free
5DT ’ s BWE simulator allows NLC India to give their new operators hands-on training without the risk of damaging the machine
training on a machine where even the easiest procedures can be quite complex .
MRTA forges head in face of COVID limitations
COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have not held the Murray & Roberts Training Academy ( MRTA ) back from launching its new engineering centre for underground trackless mining machinery ( TMM ), but social distancing requirements have limited the number of learners the MRTA can reach .
“ Our blended learning environment harnesses various approaches and technologies , including e- learning and simulation , to suit different aspects of our programme ,” Tony Pretorius , Education , Training and Development ( ETD ) Executive at Murray & Roberts Cementation , says . “ But classroom learning remains important , especially where we prioritise sharing and cross-pollination of work experience .”
Restrictions mean that training areas now can only accommodate 50 % of the MRTA ’ s usual capacity of 420 learners , and the on-site accommodation
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 | International Mining 65