Virtual reality keeps coal miners above ground

22 September 2006

Coal miners who risk life and limb when they go underground will be safer thanks to a virtual reality training tool developed by a UNSW team from the Faculty of Engineering.

Funded by Coal Services Pty Ltd (CSPL), the state-of-the-art software program teaches miners emergency response and safety procedures, including unaided self escape from a smoke-filed mine. CSPL has plans to roll out the new software program at its mining operations in Lithgow, Singleton and Wollongong.

The first-of-its-kind program, which was recently unveiled at the Newcastle Mines Rescue Station by the NSW Premier Morris Iemma, recreates an underground mine environment by projecting an “immersive” film onto a six by two metre curved screen that wraps around the viewer.

“There is no question that this program has potential to save lives," says Dr Phillip Stothard, a UNSW geologist who led the software development program.

The new virtual reality training package contains three simulated emergency scenarios tailored to address the core competencies necessary for Australian mine worker accreditation.

Viewers navigate the virtual mine by using a joystick and touch screen as the software presents a series of underground emergency drills, including unaided self escape, rib and roof stability, and truck and shovel operations.

The program provides continuous feedback to users about their decisions so they cannot “escape” from the mine until they make all the correct decisions.

“It’s a useful teaching tool that helps train and assess miners about safe work procedures before they’re exposed to the real mine environment,” says Dr Stothard.