Completed in 2013, this complex is believed to be the largest and most comprehensive coal mining safety training facility in the world. The variety of training environments required 4 distinct buildings. The first is a 26,300 sf Class Training Building where miners learn in both classroom and shop type settings. It includes an IMAX type theater for vehicle simulation, a meeting room for 250 people, and catering kitchen. The second building is the 6500 sf Weld Training facility where students learn critical welding, electrical, hydraulics, and vehicle maintenance on equipment such as continual miners, scoops, and other tracked systems.
The third building is the 6600 sf Mobile Command Center where in the case of an actual mine emergency, rescue vehicles and a mobile command satellite truck may be dispatched. The building is also outfitted with a large conference and media room to coordinate rescue activities and to provide news media with current information.
Lastly, the Mine Simulator building is the largest of its kind in the world. In this 104,000sf single story structure the underground mine environment is simulated with entry points, coal pillars, circulation fans, recessed water pits, and a live fire training section. All light is sealed out to teach miners how to properly follow overhead cable lines in the event of an emergency. The live fire training section includes a section of belt line, continuous miner, cribbing, and most importantly a propane fired control booth with overhead heat shield to simulate the conditions of an underground fire. Construction of the entire complex was completed in 12 months.