A $A500,000 project developed by the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station and Brisbane company VR Space, Cripps experienced the technology for himself when launching the new centre located at Simtars’ Redbank headquarters.

“A 3D replica of a working Queensland underground coal mine was created using cutting-edge, real time interactive graphics and immersive display technology,” he said.

“This includes all above and underground equipment and mine infrastructure such as an operating longwall, continuous miners, loaders, shuttle cars, belt systems, support, ventilation devices and safety equipment.

“This level of detail will allow trainees to safely experience and respond to situations from many perspectives - including time and event pressure which is not possible in real-life.”

Simtars struck the agreement to replicate a Vale Australia mine last year. Given that Vale’s only underground operation in the state is the Carborough Downs longwall mine, this is the likely mine that was replicated.

During his visit Cripps managed to spruik the prospects of a turnaround in the state’s job-reducing coal sector, plus kick into the previous Labor state government.

“The resources sector employs thousands of Queenslanders and we expect there to be many thousands more as projects, such as those in the Galilee Basin, get underway,” he said.

“While Labor dropped the ball on supporting innovation in the resources sector, the Newman Government is making it a priority to drive technologies and reforms that save lives.

“In the past, many trainees would begin employment without ever having experienced these conditions, but now they can do so in a safe and controlled environment.

“The Immersive VR technology used in this centre will take miners into an underground mine environment, allowing them to experience simulated emergency situations and identify the most appropriate responses to keep themselves and fellow workers safe.

“Training this way will help reduce the potential for critical mistakes to occur in the actual workplace and will protect the future of this industry that is vital to supercharging the Queensland economy.”

Coal Services launched its virtual reality mine training and rescue simulator facility in Argenton, New South Wales, more than two years ago.