###### Abstract  
Recently, many studies have been conducted to apply virtual reality (VR) technology to the mining industry. To accomplish this, it is necessary to develop user interface devices that can effectively control software. Most VR content in the mining industry requires precise device control for equipment operation or accident response. In this study, we compare the performance of four user interface devices (a 2D mouse, 2D & 3D mice, a VR controller, and a Kinect (Microsoft) sensor and bend-sensing data glove) for controlling mining industry software in a VR environment. The total working time, number of device clicks and click accuracy, were analyzed based on 10 experimenters performing 3D orebody modeling, using each device in the VR environment. Furthermore, we conducted a survey to evaluate the ease of learning, ease of use, immersion and fatigue of each device after the experiment. The results show that the 2D mouse yields a high performance in terms of its working time, click accuracy, ease of learning and ease of use. However, the 2D mouse did not completely leverage the VR environment, owing to low user immersion. The Kinect sensor and bend-sensing data glove could control the software efficiently while maximizing user immersion. Our findings are expected to provide a useful reference for the future development of user interface devices in the mining industry. user interface; virtual reality; mining software; performance evaluation +
Footnote †: journal: Applied  
a digital game within a medical education area, in order to improve engagement, confidence and knowledge for undergraduate students. Several studies focused on VR technology in the mining industry, thus [PERSON] and [PERSON] [15] developed simulation software to indirectly experience workplaces in a VR environment to prevent safety accidents in South African mining sites. Their work enabled workers to effectively learn the hazards at mining sites, and how to cope with accidents, should they occur. In a similar study, [PERSON] et al. [16] developed software for training control of equipment in underground mines and ventilation facilities in a VR environment. [PERSON] et al. [17] developed software for training users on how to respond to underground mine fires. A number of start-up companies have recently launched products that incorporate VR technology into the mining industry. For example, [PERSON] [18] developed software that enables intuitive development plans by visualizing mining site data in a VR environment, and MOON PATROL VR [19] developed a system that offers a 360-degree birds-eye view of mining sites in a VR environment. In addition, VR software for preventing safety accidents in mining sites [20] and for training users on equipment operation [21] were also launched into the market. To apply VR technology to the mining industry, it is essential to develop devices to effectively control software. Most of the VR content in the mining industry requires precise control for equipment operation or accident response. In other industries, studies have been conducted on the development of user interface devices that can enhance user immersion and effectively control software in a VR environment [22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27]. For example, [PERSON] et al. [24] developed 3D multimodal interaction in immersive virtual reality environments using gesture, language, and gaze. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [25] developed a 3D interaction system that enables users to control 3D widgets that are utilized to interact with visualized data using a head tracker, stereo glasses, and a camera in a virtual environment. The developed user interface enables the user to control an object more intuitively with immersion in the virtual reality environment. In the mining industry, several studies have been conducted on the development of 3D user interfaces (3 DUIs) to control VR-based software [28; 29].