Immersive Technologies and earthmoving contractor EPSA have partnered on a new simulator training program in Saudi Arabia for community workforce development at a phosphate project.

The two companies, who have been involved in a number of joint community workforce development projects in the past, are pursuing a Komatsu HD785-7 truck 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, according to Immersive.

“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 optimisation,” it said. “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, according to Immersive, aided in EPSA maintaining a level of zero percentage of lost time injuries from the project’s start and has also helped EPSA reach Saudization milestones with more than 80% of the current haulage operators being Saudi Arabian.

Mahfoud Snacel Training Manager of EPSA (pictured on the left with Lucas Natoli, Regional Manager for Immersive Technologies in Europe & Middle East, on the right), said: “EPSA aim to deliver a high degree of equipment availability and production levels for our mines. We also have an ongoing 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.”

Johan Stemmet, Regional Vice President – EMEA & CIS for Immersive Technologies, added: “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.”

EPSA also uses workforce development solutions at Isaac Downs in Queensland, Australia, and have acquired two PRO5 Simulators at its open-cut coal mine in Australia.