EPSA and Immersive Technologies Partner in Global Mining Workforce Development
Monday, November 28th, 2022
Immersive Technologies and EPSA have partnered in a number of community workforce development projects. For a phosphate project in Saudi Arabia, EPSA has implemented a Komatsu HD785-7 Simulator training program with a focus to enhance operational readiness and support EPSA’s strategy to train a growing Saudi Arabian workforce.
For the majority of operators, the simulator training program represented the first opportunity to get behind the controls and gain hands-on equipment operating experience. Simulation provides a safe and risk-free environment to not only build basic machine operation skills, but also specific techniques related to safety, machine care and production optimization. One of the main project objectives was to streamline the training process at EPSA mining operations to ensure long term operator productivity and reduced risks associated with newly developed workforces. Deploying simulation technology has aided in EPSA maintaining a level of zero % of lost time injuries from the project’s start and has also helped EPSA reach Saudization milestones with over 80%+ of the current haulage operators being Saudi Arabian.
“EPSA aim to deliver a high degree of equipment availability and production levels for our mines. We also have an on-going focus on improving safety. Our partnership with Immersive Technologies has helps us prepare workforces to meet these goals and to support a culture of safety and benefit to all workers” says Mahfoud Snacel, Training Manager of EPSA.
Mahfoud Snacel, Training Manager of EPSA (left side) and Lucas Natoli, Regional Manager for Immersive Technologies in Europe & Middle East (right side) next to the PRO3-B Advanced Equipment Simulator in EPSA/Al Khabra Mine in Northern Saudi Arabia.
“Immersive Technologies is fully committed to supporting EPSA’s strategic workforce development strategy, this includes ensuring the mining communities have the right people, process and technology to develop safe and productive workforces.” Says Johan Stemmet, Regional Vice President – EMEA & CIS for Immersive Technologies.
EPSA also utilizes workforce development solutions at Isaac Downs in Queensland and have acquired two world leading PRO5 Simulators at their open-cut coal mine in Australia.
