THE SCHOOL of Mining Engineering at the University of New South Wales is developing new mining safety training tools using virtual reality technology.
The VR Simulation Project is a collaborative effort between UNSW and the University of Adelaide. The training program is aimed at increasing hazard awareness and safe working practices of mine employees working at heights on mine sites.
Mining is a high-risk industry, and work at heights on mine sites involving ladders, construction scaffolds and other elevated platforms has resulted in a number of serious incidents causing injury and death.
BHP Billiton will pilot the $430,000 training initiative at its Olympic Dam operations, and the system will be in use by March 2009.
According to the developers, the program draws on the virtual reality expertise of the team of artists, computer scientists, mining engineers and education experts. It can be compared with a computer game, but has much more serious outcomes and aims.
The training tool can be used on a desktop computer or scaled up to increase realism and immersion with use in 180-degree or 360-degree surround cinemas. Trainees interact with a completely recreated virtual mine with all the hazards of a real workplace.
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