The simulator perfectly replicates the Atlas Copco Boomer development rig and Simba production rig. The cab layout and functionality create an extremely realistic representation of underground mining tunnels in the front and rear windscreen cab positions making simulator training even more realistic. In addition, the Atlas Copco Master Driller Program offered the Tara Mines trainees three levels of certification – Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Pat Potterton, training officer at the time, now Technical Support Supervisor-Mine Development, organized the training and arranged for the simulator to be delivered during the peak summer holiday period to limit the impact on production. Operators were brought in from leave to be trained while production continued underground. When the simulator arrived, initial training was given at the Atlas Copco Service Center in Portlaoise to Potterton, Mine Captain Roy Tallon, and Training Officer Jimmy Dunne,
so that they could familiarize themselves with the simulator before it arrived at the mine.
Read the full story at Mining & Construction online.
Epiroc operated under the trademark “Atlas Copco” prior to January 1, 2018.