Global cooperation agreement signed for mine training
Dwindling skills in the area of surface mining has led to a global cooperation agreement among members of the Global Aggregates Information Network (GAIN) that is aimed at pooling and sharing information for training purposes.
South Africa’s surface mining industry association, ASPASA, is a long serving member of the network and has indicated its willingness to work with similar bodies in Europe, Americas, Asia, Australia and elsewhere to share information for training purposes.
According to ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar, a wealth of information already exists across the globe. By sharing and working together mining organisations across the globe can learn from each other and customise training material that has been developed in other regions.
Virtual reality training
“For example, India has developed virtual reality training in subjects such as hazard avoidance, brake management, operation productivity, fuel efficiency, site safety procedures and many more. The idea is that this type of training will be made available to GAIN members at a modest cost. Similarly, material may be made available from New Zealand, Malaysia, China, USA or anywhere such organisations are active and members of GAIN.
“We can also learn and develop training based on the finding of counterparts across the globe such as Europe. Here studies show that new skills are required in areas like treatment of construction and demolition waste — recycled aggregates, assessment of biodiversity and environmental management during operations, restoration of active and closed sites, operation and maintenance of new (electrified) machines, renewable energy (wind turbines, solar panels) etc.
“Working together we are better equipped to develop much needed training material more quickly and this allows us to respond to emerging requirements more quickly. Like similar organisations belonging to the GAIN network, ASPASA also has a wealth of information and infrastructure that may assist miners in other parts of the world,” says Nico.
He adds that the association has a dedicated education and training committee and that they will work with other GAIN members, as well as local training providers, to source and develop material for the local market. ASPASA is also able to assist local career seekers and employees of its member companies to identify career paths and find suitable training and qualifications to achieve career goals.
