More Mining Companies Acquire Simulation Technology

Technology is a growing investment in the mining industry. Companies are continuously looking for newer and better innovation to increase productivity and decrease operating costs. One of those technological investments that are turning heads is equipment simulator systems.

According to experts, training simulators are increasingly being viewed as a sound investment and an important part of mine operations.

One of the companies providing this technology, which is known as advanced military standard Cybermine training simulators, is South Africa-based ThoroughTec Simulations. The company said it has experienced another year of continued growth as ThoroughTec broke into several new markets, including India and Kazakhstan.

“More and more mine operators are realizing the advantages that simulation can bring to their mine sites around the world,” says Greg Lew, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Thoroughbred. “We’re continuously receiving reports from mines about how simulation is aiding in the recruitment process, improving productivity and reaction times in emergency situations.”

“Because mine vehicles are being used for fewer training tasks, the associated running costs of training are greatly reduced,” says Lew. “Damage and wear-and-tear on mine vehicles decreases as green operators are able to familiarise themselves with the controls of the machines and iron out their mistakes on the mining simulator instead of the real machine. This means less unscheduled maintenance and lower maintenance and training costs.”

Mining companies are buying into the systems as some big name companies have recently bought into simulation to enhance their core fundamental performance. Advanced training simulators are being seen as an important part of mine safety as well as an investment into operator competency and productivity.