June 2015
|
World Coal
|
37
SKILLS
O
perating a roof bolter in an underground coal
mine is not only a risky operation for the
operator: if not done correctly, it can result in
improperly secured roof and a potentially
dangerous environment for the crews that follow.
Inexperience in this role can thus pose a serious risk to all
that work in the mine.
South African training simulator manufacturer
ThoroughTec Simulation, which has a successful history in
simulating complex underground mining equipment with
its CYBERMINE system, was tasked with simulating the
Fletcher HDDR bolter for BHP Billiton’s Khutala coal mine
in Mpumalanga, South Africa, to help further improve safety
levels. CYBERMINE simulators are designed to improve
operator safety and productivity, as well as training
efficiency at any mine site. ThoroughTec was also tasked
with developing and building a number of other simulators
for Khutala, including a continuous miner and shuttle car,
LHD, heavy-duty hauler and a personnel carrier. A number
of these have already been delivered.
“Simulation will help our Fletcher bolter operators deal
with unsafe roof conditions and apply the correct bolting
patterns,” said Josua Bekker, Underground Mine Manager at
Khutala. “The operator will know how the machine’s
controls work before using the real thing and can
concentrate on safety and operating procedures rather than
SAFETY
and
ThoroughTec Simulation
was
approached by
BHPBilliton’s
Khutala coal mine inMpumalanga
,
to simulate the Fletcher HDDR bolter
in order to further improve safety levels
and training efficiency at themine, the
company's
Hugh Pines
explains.
