SIMULATORS & TRAINING
CASPEO ’ s e-learning for mineral processing
CASPEO , a worldwide provider of process simulation software and consulting services to metals , minerals and mining industries , recently launched its e-learning platform to enhance the knowledge of mining processing plant operators and workers in data analysis techniques and to meet mining companies ’ challenges and skills needs . It comes after celebrating the 35th anniversary of its process simulator USIM PAC .
“ Today , the mining industry is facing many challenges : lower grades , more complex deposits , market demands variation ... in an ever changing environment , mineral and metal processing companies are pushed to experiment new operational strategies without impacting the production . Process modelling and simulation constitute the most powerful methods to design , scale-up and upgrade processing plants . These require analysis tools to estimate different configurations and also skilled people who have a general overview of processes across the entire value chain , from ores to metal . Thus , the future of mining is linked intimately to technology . However , the mining industry is experiencing a significant labour shortage due to a wave of retirement and the declining number of graduated mining engineers , thus limiting the adoption and the development of new technologies .”
To address labour market challenges in its field of expertise , CASPEO opted to facilitate the learning of data analysis techniques by launching its own e-learning platform . The CASPEO e-learning platform consists of self-paced online courses on a range of topics including process design , process optimisation and metal accounting . “ CASPEO pushes boundaries and goes beyond a simple online experience by providing hands-on training courses . The first available on-demand course proposes a path through two case studies to learn how to use modelling and simulation approaches to design and optimise mineral processes . Through video lessons and quizzes , the trainees are invited to design a grinding and classification circuit , then work on the optimisation of a grinding and flotation circuit .”
“ The course allows the trainees to work on real-world scenarios and to have the opportunity to use USIM PAC , the most well-known mineral processing simulation software - a 60-day education license is provided with the course ,” says Stéphane Brochot , CASPEO Co-Managing Director . The idea is to make it as easy as possible for people to improve their competencies through self-regulated learning . It helps students to get practical experience of skills , engineering graduates to enhance their
CASPEO has launched an e-learning platform for mineral processing engineering professionals
employability , and professionals to advance their career . For companies , it is a way to train a large workforce at less cost , facilitate the integration of new engineers , secure a project launch and enhance individual commitment .
“ Having to attend a course in person can be a barrier to participation . Our platform will give mineral professionals around the world the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of process modelling and simulation and to complete courses wherever they are , at their own pace and in an easily digestible format . Our self-paced online courses are delivered through a true e-learning platform that can be accessed on any device with an Internet connection .” adds Marie-Véronique Durance , CASPEO Co-Managing Director .
Going forward , the CASPEO team is also working on an on-demand training course on metallurgical accounting . “ A metal accounting system is the key tool for determining the real performances of a metallurgical installation and achieving operational excellence . Such a system covers the full production process from the mine to the final smelter and / or refinery . Essential to manage base metals , it is crucial when processing precious and critical materials . The course will provide a clear understanding of what is metal accounting and explore the main stages to implement such a system .”
says it is making remote training possible with containerised simulation labs . A 20 ft container fits the simulator and instructor station , clinical testing stations and VR kit for maintenance training . Containers allows the client to deliver continuous training , without having to worry
A Tecknotrove Full Motion Simulator about the operators leaving the mine site . Finally Tecknotrove can deliver digital twins which are exact replicas of mines that are mapped using AutoCAD drawings , photographs and videos to provide a safe training environment . Digital twins are being used for site familiarisation , SOP training , practising of machine operations , guidance on hazard avoidance and training on managing emergency situations effectively .
Sandvik ’ s Digital Trainer - TH
Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions has introduced a new operator training simulator , Digital Trainer – TH , described an efficient and flexible tool for Sandvik truck operator training . Following the introduction of a similar solution for large Sandvik loaders Toro™ LH621i and
Toro™ LH517i in 2020 , Sandvik is rolling out
Digital Trainer – TH initially for the large trucks Toro™ TH663i and Toro™ TH551i .
Individually tailored training sessions benefit each operator , helping them avoid unnecessary equipment damage and teaching them how to utilise equipment in the most efficient way . While a truck itself is not needed as a training tool , the simulator also increases actual equipment utilisation and availability for productive operation . Digital Trainer – TH also enables practice before an actual Sandvik truck arrives at a site .
Pre-training with the simulator improves safety as an operator gets familiar with the equipment functionalities , supervised by an experienced trainer nearby , prior to entering the underground environment . The training exercises are divided into three levels to increase effectiveness : beginner , basic and experienced . As the trainee advances , the trainer can feed unexpected
30 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022