Virtual Reality in Underground Mining Education: Enhancing Machinery Comprehension

This study explores an innovative approach to enhance learning and accelerate comprehension among mining engineering students through the integration of virtual reality (VR) technologies alongside traditional teaching methods. It aims to enhance students' skills through VR applications and improve their understanding of subjects using visual aids. Therefore, this study intends to provide comprehensive knowledge about the operational principles of drill rigs, load-haul-dumps (LHD), and cart transportation systems in mines within field conditions simulated in a VR environment. The simulation includes the use of a VR headset, which immerses the users in the virtual environment and allows them to interact through information boxes. Visual models of the roadways, support, production area, transportation, and production systems of a virtual underground mine were designed using the Unity game engine for the user to navigate a sample mining area with the help of a VR headset. An application was conducted to measure the usability of the VR mine. According to the results of the questionnaire in this application, it shows that most of the participants rated the benefits of the VR training developed as 4.5 or above out of 5 points, while a small number of participants encountered difficulties in using the VR training, resulting in a score of 3.40 out of 5 points.