A virtual mine lab is being built for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Mining Engineering Technology program. Program Head Danielle Faris says digital mines are being designed so that when the students put their headsets on it’s as if they are underground in a mine.

It simulates a real mining environment and will equip students with the skills needed on a job site. The goal is to have potash, uranium, copper and gold digital mines. Faris says, “We are looking to immerse them in that underground environment and the be able to work with the equipment that they would use on the job site.”

She expects that along with the Mining Engineering Technology program, other Sask Polytech programs will be able to use the virtual lab, along with other educational institutions and mining companies.

Students will be testing the equipment by late next year with the first official use in classes in January of 2025.  She thanks the International Minerals Innovation Institute for funding this $102,000 project.