SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Revolutionizing mining education with virtual reality at Saskatchewan Polytechnic

With a grant from International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII) received in 2023, Saskatchewan Polytechnic has built a virtual mine lab for the Mining Engineering Technology program to enhance student and industry learning. The $102,000 grant helped Sask Polytech develop the software for virtual reality (VR) headsets, providing students with immersive, hands-on learning experiences.

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
 

"Due to the remote locations of many Saskatchewan mines, it's not easy for our students to be onsite for practical learning experiences," explains Kunle Adelakun, Mining Engineering Technology instructor. "The virtual mine lab at Sask Polytech is designed to replicate the complexities of a real mining site without leaving campus."

Sask Polytech's virtual lab includes a library of virtual hard rock and soft rock mines for students to experience during their studies. With VR technology students can access remote, underground or otherwise inaccessible locations, broadening their exposure to diverse mining conditions. Realistic scenarios enable hands-on practice in a safe work environment, enhancing technical skills and reducing the learning curve.

Students utilize VR headsets to complete virtual labs such as safe work practices, surveying and structural geology labs, gaining a realistic sense of working in a mine. The VR controllers allow them to interact with the environment, perform tasks and correct errors in a safe, controlled setting. This method fosters a deep understanding of safe work practices, emergency procedures and essential jobsite skills. This immersive approach not only enhances understanding but also ensures that students are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.

"For Sask Polytech, VR is a game changer," shares Danielle Faris, academic chair for the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades. "It offers a level of realism that traditional classroom settings cannot match. Underground survey, geological and structural mapping are much easier to grasp when experienced in a virtual environment. VR training not only teaches specific tasks but also integrates regulatory requirements, such as using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and accounting for workers underground during their shifts and accounting for workers during emergencies."

Sask Polytech's innovative use of VR technology in its Mining Engineering Technology program is setting a new standard for mining education. By providing students with immersive, practical experiences, the institution is ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the mining industry.

Software for the VR headsets is powered by ICOM Productions, a division of The Learning Network.

Learn more about our Mining Engineering Technology program.