Virtual Reality-Based Training Simulation Virtual Reality-based training simulation for coal miners

The Boiler Room understands that mining companies have embraced virtual reality technology and simulations as a transformative technology that enhances safety, streamlines training programs, and optimises operational efficiency. Having witnessed its VR solutions improving productivity, safety and optimising operations at a coal mine in South Africa, the company is keen to replicate the successful deployment in other mines throughout Africa.

themselves to real-life dangers. “Our proven VR simulations allow workers to experience and respond to hazardous situations in a controlled and managed VR environment. This immersive training enhances their preparedness, decisionmaking skills, and overall safety awareness, significantly reducing the occurrence of accidents and injuries!” states Hocker

The Boiler Room’s VR gaming solution proved its effectiveness in safety training at South32’s Khutala mine. Deployed at South32’s Khutala mine, the Boiler Room VR gaming solution replicated realistic scenarios, such as emergency procedures, gas scenarios and geological conditions such as Falls-Of-Ground (FOG).

• Realistic Equipment Familiarisation

Virtual reality (VR) technology has rapidly emerged as a ground-breaking tool across various industries. It has revolutionised the way we perceive and interact with the virtual world. Among its many applications, one industry that has significantly benefited from VR simulations is mining, especially coal mining.

The Boiler Room

The Boiler Room has been pioneering the immersive power of VR for over a decade and has been creating innovative solutions for coal. This has allowed coal mine operators to enhance safety, streamline training programs, and optimise operational efficiency.

Mark Hocker, the CEO of the Boiler Room strongly believes in “Learning by doing”. That is why the company showcases the remarkable use of VR simulations in the coal mine industry, highlighting their advantages and impact on the workforce and overall productivity, he explains.

Advantages of VR

Mainly, VR offers the following advantages to coal mine operators:

• Cost-effective and accessible alternative

Traditionally, coal mine training has relied heavily on classroom lectures and on-site demonstrations, which can be time-consuming, expensive, and limited in their ability to replicate complex scenarios.

However, handily, VR offers a cost-effective and accessible alternative. New hires and existing employees can undergo immersive VR training modules that simulate all aspects of coal mining operations, such as equipment handling, safety training, inductions, and maintenance procedures. These simulations provide a safe and engaging platform for trainees to learn and practice critical skills, accelerating the learning curve and reducing the dependency on realworld training scenarios.

• Enhanced Safety Measures

Safety is paramount in the coal mining industry, where workers face numerous hazards and risks. Conveniently, VR simulations provide a valuable training ground for miners to learn and practice safety procedures without exposing

Coal mining involves operating heavy machinery and specialised equipment. Familiarity with these tools is crucial for efficient and safe operations. VR simulations enable miners to interact virtually with and operate mining equipment in a realistic environment showing the consequences of incorrect action instantaneously.

Through virtual replicas of machinery, workers can practice using controls, troubleshooting issues, and understanding the intricacies of different equipment components.

A solution deployed by the Boiler Room includes a 3Dof (Degrees-of-Freedom) motion platform, using virtual reality, as well as static VR driving simulators, that provide a realistic specialised equipment experience.

The VR coal mining-specific solutions include amongst others shuttle cars, roof bolters, continuous miners, SOP simulators, safety simulators and underground LDV driving simulators.

The Boiler Room is pleased to witness the huge difference they have brought. “This immersive experience improves their proficiency, reduces human error, and minimises the risk of accidents due to incorrect equipment handling.

We have seen a 50% reduction in training time to competence with some of our clients, using a virtual reality training approach,” says Hocker.

• Remote Collaboration and Maintenance

In the coal mine industry, maintenance and repairs are essential to ensure uninterrupted operations. VR simulations offer a unique advantage by enabling remote collaboration and maintenance activities.

Through VR platforms, experts from remote locations can virtually access the mine environment, assess equipment conditions, and guide on-site personnel in real time. This streamlined collaboration saves time and resources while ensuring efficient equipment maintenance and minimising downtime.

The Boiler Room has created innovative maintenance solutions that save 50% in maintenance time for one of global OEMs. For instance, a South32 coal operation, by deploying a Boiler Room maintenance solution, has managed to reduce equipment downtime by 75%.

• Optimised Operational Efficiency

By utilising VR simulations, coal mine operators can fine-tune their operational processes and improve efficiency. Virtual models can simulate different mining layouts, allowing operators to evaluate the impact of modifications or optimisations before implementing them in the real world.

This virtual testing enables the identification of potential bottlenecks, optimisation of workflows, and streamlining of resource allocation. By optimising operational efficiency through VR simulations, coal mine operators can increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance their competitive edge.

The Boiler Room has created a digital twin of a coal mining operation north of Emalahleni, duplicating the processing plant in VR (Digital Twin).

Committed to coal mining

The Boiler Room is committed to supporting the coal mine industry. It understands that mining companies have embraced virtual reality technology and simulations as a transformative technology that enhances safety, streamlines training programs, and optimises operational efficiency.

Hocker says The Boiler Room is extremely gratified at witnessing its VR solutions meeting the industry’s pertinent needs. “We are proud that, through our immersive VR experiences, miners can undergo realistic training, practice equipment operation, and develop critical skills without exposing themselves to real-world risks at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, maintenance activities become more efficient and effective through VR, minimising downtime, and improving overall productivity.”

Playing a central role

As virtual reality technology advances, the coal mine industry is poised to experience further benefits, ensuring even safer working conditions, and increased operational excellence. The Boiler Room is well-equipped to play a central role.