SIMULATORS & TRAINING
attempting to train via alternative methods . Remarkably , given the realism of modern fullmission simulators , the differences between remotely operating a real versus a virtual machine are almost indistinguishable and consequently , skills retention and transfer to live operations is exceptionally high .”
A digital , cohesive mine training department
The company also talked about creating more cohesion of training solutions for mining . “ Traditionally mine training departments have been beset by a number of challenges , ranging from the wide array and incompatibility of training methods and tools to excessive reliance on paper-based assessments , record keeping and organisation . Learning Management Systems have historically been used to some effect , but their benefit has been confined to the e-learning environment , and consequently their usefulness across the broader sweep of mine training systems and processes has been very limited .”
To address this problem , ThoroughTec has developed the Workforce Excellence Training Management System ( WX TMS ), which it says is the world ’ s only , dedicated , mining training management system . It is a cloud-based , enterprise level software platform specifically engineered to cater for any type of training in the mining context .
“ WX TMS is the cornerstone of the ThoroughTec ’ s Workforce Excellence eco-system , digitising and centralising the creation , planning , control , reporting and record keeping of any and all mine training activities , irrespective of subject , method or content . While naturally optimised for use with ThoroughTec ’ s CYBERMINE range of products , the system is both technology and process agnostic , allowing it to accommodate virtually any mine training context or requirement . Such a system acts as the training department ’ s central nervous system , cohesively linking everything from curriculum development , course planning , and activity and resource scheduling to operator record-keeping and certification . Every type of training from classroom theory , e-learning systems and VR pretrip testing to full-mission simulators and even live , in-pit training and evaluation is catered for , all the while providing near-real-time oversight to stakeholders throughout the organisational spectrum .”
Simformotion and simulator-VR integration
Annette Kiesewetter , Marketing Strategist at Simformotion told IM : “ Technologies , like simulators , VR ( virtual reality ) and other digital mediums , are no longer considered new ideas . They are mandatory for companies that want an edge and need efficient , consistent methods to train multiple workers . Placing untrained employees directly into the field can have disastrous results . However , training employees initially then offering refresher and ongoing training , builds employee confidence and skills , resulting in a bigger bottom line . Even robots and autonomous applications that might take the place of some employees still need people who
can manage the software and devices , and service teams to keep them up and running . Most digital training can be accessed anytime and anyplace by employees . An instructor may assign content , tasks or lessons and administer quizzes and tests for curriculum-based learning .”
Simformotion acknowledges that video courses are a good starting point to introduce employees to an industry or a particular machine or tool . Video courses are often basic but can help the learner with nomenclature , images andpossibly some ‘ how-to ’ steps . “ Many manufacturers offer live stream training courses and target them to both students and instructors for ongoing learning . These web-based courses are held in real-time . Though many are often recorded and available as resources for attendees to review later .”
An LMS ( Learning Management System ) is usually subscriber-based and offers multiple courses on topics ranging from safety to techniques . Companies often must invest in a license to set up and access an LMS platform . The curriculum can be used in the classroom or online , or a combination of both . “ A quality curriculum has a standards-based sequence of learning where students / learners can practice and achieve proficiency which they prove through assessments . Online curriculums have a similar feel of an LMS but are independent of clunky proprietary platforms . They are run on web-based platforms , making them much easier to access as long as an internet connection is available .”
Simformotion is the licensee for Cat ® Simulators , and has developed the SimScholars™
5DT partners with mining contractor PPA in Indonesia
Leading simulator-based training player 5DT recently signed an agreement with Indonesian contract mining major PT Putra Perkasa Abadi ( PPA ) to partner on developing its entire training program which means not only for production heavy equipment like mining trucks but also for support equipment , e-learning and plant / maintenance personnel training . 5DT Regional Manager South East Asia Sahrul Hidayat told IM : “ The long experience of 5DT in the industry , our competitive pricing and also our flexibility were strong points for us . PT Putra Perkasa Abadi took all this into consideration in selecting us to align with their training program and benefit their operations .” With the current trend of digital transformation for mining operations in Indonesia , 5DT offers not only the simulators for training but also data analytics that can be used to provide operator behaviours and competency analytics reports . This is possible through use of simulator data and DriveVUE - 5DT ’ s AI technology . Hidayat said that simulator training for the mining market in Indonesia is well established but only for larger class mining trucks and its use is dominated by the big Tier 1 mining contractor companies . “ However , the second tier and even third tier mining contractor companies represent the next potential market since they also want to ramp up their productivity hence they are developing more effective workforces in response to the high demands for coal production in the country ." He added that additionally , some of what would have previously been considered second-tier mining companies are growing fast and becoming first-tier mining contractor companies - PT Putra Perkasa Abadi is a good example .
5DT Regional Manager SEA Sahrul Hidayat speaking at the Mining Indonesia 2022 event
“ In the past they didn ’ t use simulator training technology but now recognise the need due to increasing operational complexity , a realisation of the need for efficient workforce development by optimising the performance of existing operators - helping to make them more productive , thereby saving costs but also helping to create a safety led culture in their operations .”
28 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022