By Paula Oransky, business development manager, CAE Mining
Historically, equipment operator training in the mining industry has been conducted using a ‘trial by fire’ approach, with new operators receiving most of their instruction on the job operating mobile equipment with little formal training or practice time. This approach has a number of drawbacks, including taking a piece of equipment out of production for new operator training. Advancements in equipment simulation technology and training are enabling mining producers globally to train new operators in realistic conditions without negatively impacting mine production, resulting in operators that are ready to begin positively contributing to mine production in shorter time.