Maptek has announced that it will be sponsoring a state-of-the-art computer lab and global communications center at the South Dakota School of Mines Department of Mining Engineering and Management.

The Maptek Advanced Mine Design Center will begin construction immediately and should be ready for students by the fall of 2007. Additional enhancements will be made over the next three years with expected completion by 2010.

This new center will enhance the faculty’s ability to promote and teach the technical aspects of the mining industry. Due mainly to South Dakota’s recent enhancement of the curriculum to include mining business and management and the resulting increase in enrollment, students are forced to share computers in a cramped classroom. The new facility will be twice the size and will enable 25 students access to computers. Other features of the new center include:

• Video conferencing capabilities for distance education and global communications
• Dedicated wall space for both a large plasma screen and blackboard
• A ceiling mounted air projector that is networked to all tablet PCs and desktops
• Ergonomic seating and new equipment furniture
• Air conditioning and updated heating and ventilation

South Dakota’s mining program is the fifth largest in the nation with a current enrollment of 60 students and expected enrollment of 80 students in 2008. This new center will help the school continue to produce high quality, trained engineers for the mining industry.

Established 25 years ago, Maptek offers a range of cutting edge software and hardware technologies. VULCAN software, a 3D geological modeling system, is currently used for modeling and mine planning at more than 600 sites worldwide. It will also be used as a teaching tool at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.