Black Rock's training team recently completed factory acceptance testing of its new Cybermine simulator for an Atlas Copco 235-H bolter at global training simulator provider ThoroughTec Simulation.

Gideon Hayward, human resource development manager at Black Rock mine operations, said: "We have a big need for operators that know how to use this bolter safely and efficiently. Operators of the 235 need to know how to support the hanging walls correctly to prevent potentially fatal rock falls."

Black Rock now has five Cybermine simulators across a range of underground equipment, including complex drill rigs, scalers, articulated dump trucks and load haul dumpers.

"We need to ensure that our operators follow correct operating procedures when handling the equipment and by using the simulator we are able to achieve that," said Hayward. The simulator will monitor functions such as colliding the boom with the face, drilling without flushing, inserting the incorrect amount of resin and score the operator on their performance.

"It costs nothing to damage the machine during a simulation exercise," said Willie Koekemoer, Black Rock's training facilitator. "It's a cheaper environment to make mistakes."