Mining simulator
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A mining simulator is a type of
simulation A simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. Simulations require the use of Conceptual model, models; the model represents the key characteristics or behaviors of the selected system or proc ...
used for entertainment as well as in training purposes for mining companies. These simulators replicate elements of real-world
mining Mining is the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth, usually from an ore body, lode, vein, seam, reef, or placer deposit. The exploitation of these deposits for raw material is based on the economic via ...
operations on surrounding screens displaying three-dimensional imagery,
motion platform A motion simulator or motion platform is a mechanism that creates the feelings of being in a real motion environment. In a simulator, the movement is synchronised with a visual display of the outside world (OTW) scene. Motion platforms can provi ...
s, and scale models of typical and atypical mining environments and machinery. The results of the simulations can provide useful information in the form of greater competence in on-site safety, which can lead to greater efficiency and decreased risk of accidents.


Training

Mining simulators are used to replicate real-world conditions of mining, assessing real-time responses from the trainee operator to react to what tasks or obstacles appear around them. This is often achieved through the use of surrounding three-dimensional imagery,
motion platform A motion simulator or motion platform is a mechanism that creates the feelings of being in a real motion environment. In a simulator, the movement is synchronised with a visual display of the outside world (OTW) scene. Motion platforms can provi ...
s, and realistic replicas of actual mining equipment. Trainee operator employees are often taught in a program where they are scored against both their peers and an expert benchmark to produce a final evaluation of competence with the tasks they may need to complete in real-life.


Criticism

Mining companies that have implemented mining simulators into their training have shown greater employee competence in on-site safety, leading to an overall more productive working environment, and a higher chance of profitability for the company in the long-run by decreasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or deaths on the site though prior education. Being able to simulate real-world mining hazards in a safe and controlled environment has also shown to help prepare employees on proper procedure and protocol in the event of an on-site accident without the need to physically experience one, which often cannot be safely taught in the real-world. Simulating mining environments further helps to familiarize employees with mining equipment and vehicles before entering a real job site, leading to increased productivity, and a chance to correct inefficiencies while still in training.


Varieties

Mining simulator setups can range in size and features, which relates to the price and fidelity of the product. A simple simulator setup may only need to be installed on one
Personal Computer A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or tec ...
or a
virtual reality Virtual reality (VR) is a simulated experience that employs pose tracking and 3D near-eye displays to give the user an immersive feel of a virtual world. Applications of virtual reality include entertainment (particularly video games), educ ...
headset, but most often consist of three to six monitors and a motion platform. Any higher cost setups often are housed inside high-cube containers which may contain inside lighting, air conditioning, heating, and other amenities and add-ons which may not directly affect the effectiveness of the simulation training. Some mining simulators can also be mobile and move locations, which can be particularly helpful for use of the same simulator between multiple schools or colleges for
apprentice Apprenticeship is a system for training a new generation of practitioners of a trade or profession with on-the-job training and often some accompanying study (classroom work and reading). Apprenticeships can also enable practitioners to gain a ...
programs.


Entertainment

Aside from practical training purposes, mining simulators have in more recent times also been created for entertainment as well as gaming purposes. The appeal of the genre of games comes from the ability for them to be played on other than specialized equipment, including more widely available Personal Computers,
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, and
Xbox Xbox is a video gaming brand created and owned by Microsoft. The brand consists of five video game consoles, as well as applications (games), streaming services, an online service by the name of Xbox network, and the development arm by the na ...
consoles. The genre of game also gained popularity from the broader amount of resources that could be added and mined in-game, often substituting more realistically found resources for precious minerals such as gold or diamonds, but coal mining games do exist. Non-rock or mineral mining simulation games have also emerged, with
cryptocurrency A cryptocurrency, crypto-currency, or crypto is a digital currency designed to work as a medium of exchange through a computer network that is not reliant on any central authority, such as a government or bank, to uphold or maintain it. It i ...
mining simulations becoming a popular subgenre, allowing players to simulate mining for coins such as
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,
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, and
Dogecoin Dogecoin ( or , Abbreviation: DOGE; sign: Ð) is a cryptocurrency created by software engineers Billy Markus and Jackson Palmer, who decided to create a payment system as a "joke", making fun of the wild speculation in cryptocurrencies at the ...
.


See also

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Flight simulation A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircraft flight and the environment in which it flies, for pilot training, design, or other purposes. It includes replicating the equations that govern how aircraft fly, how they rea ...
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Driving simulation Driving is the controlled operation and movement of a vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and bicycles. Permission to drive on public highways is granted based on a set of conditions being met and drivers are required to follo ...
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Train simulation A train simulator (also railroad simulator or railway simulator) is a computer based simulation of rail transport operations. They are generally large complicated software packages modeling a 3D virtual reality world implemented both as comme ...
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Submarine simulation A submarine simulator is usually a computer game in which the player commands a submarine. The usual form of the game is to go on a series of missions, each of which features a number of encounters where the goal is to sink surface ships and to ...


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mining simulator 3D graphics software Mining equipment Real-time simulation Simulation Virtual reality