University of Utah Creates A Mining Disaster For Chile

How To Train Workers Who Have Dangerous Jobs 

In 2010 the country of Chile experienced a mine disaster. 33 miners were trapped 700 ft underground in a gold mine. They were 3 miles from the entrance of the mine and were eventually rescued 17 days later after some amazing work through cooperation from several groups. 

Since then, one of the mining companies, Minverso, has been working to create a safer environment so a similar disaster won’t happen again.  They looked for solutions at a place already working on mine safety, the University of Utah. 

The Department of Mining Engineering 

At the University of Utah, they have the Center for Mine Safety and Health as part of their engineering department. The company asked them to develop a training program for their workers so they would know what to do if things went wrong underground. Their problem was to figure out how to train in difficult conditions? 

The University’s ingenious solution was a VR simulator. Using a virtual reality headset, the workers can train as if they were underground. They virtually make their way down a tunnel when smoke billows from a compromised shaft. At this point the workers can figure out the solution in what feels like the real thing. 

They have built and tested the software with positive results. They demonstrated the capabilities of the training at an open house earlier this year.

Read More: Is the ultimate Teaching Assistant in Utah an AI Computer?

Who would have thought that the safety of miners in Chile is dependent on students from Utah.