Helping Mining Students to Gaining Skills

Mining technology provider Maptek has linked the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) with PCS Mobile and Xplore Technologies to supply three rugged tablet computers for training geology and mine engineering students. The mapping tablets will be used by the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, which runs a geomechanics investigation and engineering design project as a part of its Geological Engineering Field Camp.

The course provides experience in rock structure mapping, the application of the latest LIDAR/laser scanning technology, and the use of Maptek Vulcan 3D geoscience visualisation and analytical software.

Maptek has been a strong supporter of programs at the SDSM&T since 2005, and sponsored the school's mining software lab which was opened in March 2008. The SDSM&T uses Maptek Vulcan software for mine planning, design and scheduling courses.

Maptek provides its I-Site laser scanner and technician for the rock mechanics project, and linked SDSM&T with PCS and Xplore, for the field mapping technology.

‘Laser scanning is an accepted technology in mining, and even more in tunnelling. Virtual geology is gaining momentum, particularly in large size excavations,’ commented Professor Ziggy Hladysz from SDSM&T.

‘This is the best way for students to learn high tech engineering applications. We're eager to introduce the tablet mapping program by mid-2010,’ said Dr Nuri Uzunlar, Director of Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station, Geology and Geological Engineering, who oversees the course.

‘I know the school will be as excited as I am about the donation of modern technology. Their aim to have a field camp up and running by 2010 is looking very positive thanks to this support,' said Kurt Fisher, Director of Purchasing at Maptek.

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology prides itself on turning out students with both academic excellence and strong practical skills. Links with outside organisations and businesses foster an awareness of real world needs. Graduates with good exposure to software systems are more productive when they enter the workforce.