Exploration drilling Serbian style - Atlas Copco

GOES GLOBAL
Pictures from left:
Instructor Brett Randall with
Phil Schmidt, Drill & Blast
Superintendent for BHP Billiton’s
Jimblebar mine.
Brett Randall in the “cabin” with
David Jack.
Studying performance on the
simulator’s external screen.
Checking drilling parameters in the classroom: From left, Dan Rollston, Ben Zeller, David Jack
and Bill Thorpe with Atlas Copco’s instructor Brett Randall (standing).
Dan Rolston, Drill and Blast Superintendent, comments: “This is great exposure to
technology and I can see how the operators’ skills have increased.”
Worldwide Trend
With a shortage of skilled labor threatening
the future sustainability of the mining industry,
the use of Atlas Copco simulators and training
programs is a major contributing factor in the
effort to meet the challenge.
Simulator training is rapidly becoming the
method of choice from the iron ore regions of
northern Sweden to the gold fields of Australia
and the copper mines of Mongolia.
At LKAB in Sweden, Training Manager Stefan
Backefalk says: “We have been using Atlas
Copco simulators for about a year and a half.
They give our trainees a thorough grounding
in how to handle the machines in a stress-free
environment, which is very important from a
safety point of view. We think it is positive and
will continue using this method.”
Peter Sjöberg, Atlas Copco’s local training
representative in Mongolia, says simulators are
helping to solve a major challenge for the mine
OT/Rio Tinto. “Skilled labor is extremely scarce
and the mine’s safety standards are very high.
Trainees have to complete 250 hours in a simulator
before they are allowed to even touch a real
machine. The results are very good.”
Benefits of Simulator Training
XXNo risk of damage to equipment
or personnel
XXNo need to take real equipment out
of production
XXGets operators trained and into
production faster
XXSaves resources such as water and fuel
XXEnables all trainees to reach a uniform
level of competence
creating Master Drillers
Atlas Copco’s Master Driller Program provides
three levels of proficiency – Bronze, Silver and
Gold.
XXBronze involves learning in the classroom
or e-learning at home. Topics covered
include rock types, technique and theory
of drilling.
XXSilver includes simulator training. The simulators
feature large LED monitors mounted
in the window spaces of the “cabin” to
provide a realistic environment. The cab
moves in response to the actions of the
operator using real controls.
XXGold involves an Atlas Copco product specialist
working one on one with trainees at
their job sites. Previous training is repeated
on real equipment and repeated if necessary.
After passing “Gold” an operator
receives the certification “Master Driller”.
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