Tag Archives: Roger Cook

WesTrac expands autonomous training centre to help shape future workforce

Automation, Careers in mining, Mining equipment, Mining services, Sustainable mining, , , , ,

Caterpillar® dealer WesTrac has announced that construction of new facilities at the WesTrac Technology Training Centre in Collie, Western Australia, will be complete by November, offering further training opportunities.

Speaking during a visit to the facility by the Premier of Western Australia, WesTrac CEO, Jarvas Croome, said the State Government supported the project by providing A$1 million ($672,764) from the Collie Futures Industry Development Fund.

“It is fantastic to have Hon Roger Cook MLA at the WesTrac Technology Training Centre to see the progress we have made with our expansion of this state-of-the-art facility,” Croome said.

“As the only autonomous training centre in the Southern Hemisphere, our centre offers industry-leading practical training on machines like the Cat® 789D Autonomous Haul Truck in a safe, controlled, and authentic environment. Demand for our world-class training has skyrocketed as mining and construction companies look to educate the next generation of their workforce.

“The expansion of our facilities will ensure WesTrac can meet this demand, as well as offer new courses and pathways for workers in the resources and civil construction sectors.”

The expansion includes construction of two new buildings, with an additional five new training rooms, a virtual reality room, a remote operating station room, reception and practical labs tailored to deliver training in Cat MineStar Technology.

WesTrac is also in the process of commissioning a new Cat D10 Dozer with remote operating capabilities, allowing students to operate the machine from a classroom located 500 m away or further – replicating a real-world mine site environment.

Croome said the new addition at the centre will replicate the latest technology available on a mine site which is designed to keep operators safe.

“WesTrac and Caterpillar are leading the charge when it comes to delivering world-class training by utilising the latest technology and equipment to provide a second-to-none level of education,” he explained. “Since our centre opened in 2020, we have delivered training to more than 900 people from Australia and overseas, and we expect to see even more come through the door as industry demand increases for technology and electrification experts.

“The WesTrac Technology Training Centre and the team of experts who deliver our world-leading education and training are a beacon for the mining and construction industries as they look towards tech-driven operations of the future.”

Construction of the new facilities was also supported by the Motivation Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing hands-on training and practical experience for young people, as well as securing future employment opportunities.

Croome says the group played a vital role in the expansion performing key earthworks as part of their on-the-job practical training, including developing the new dozer training area and building footings.

He added: “Since commencing in Collie, Motivation Foundation have successfully helped over 50 local young people gain employment. Through our partnership with the Motivation Foundation and this expansion of the WesTrac Technology Training Centre, we hope to ensure this pathway continues for young people continues.”

The WesTrac Technology Training Centre was recently recognised during the WA Training Awards last month, when WesTrac was awarded Large Employer of the Year for its industry-leading approach to education and training.

Rio Tinto to partner with Founders Factory on commercialising breakthrough mining tech

Automation, Environmental, IoT, Mining finance, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , ,

Rio Tinto is teaming up with a leading global venture studio and start-up investor to back the development and commercialisation of breakthrough technologies in the mining industry, supporting the company’s efforts to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

The company will partner with Founders Factory and invest A$14.4 million ($9.5 million) in global pre-seed and seed stage start-ups over the next three years. The focus will be on technologies in the fields of safe mine operations, decarbonisation, exploration processing and automation.

Each start-up will receive a cash investment and participate in a four-month accelerator program run by Founders Factory to support product development and commercialisation.

The Western Australian Government has also partnered with Founders Factory to invest in nature-tech start-ups that preserve and restore nature and biodiversity.

The partnerships with Rio Tinto and the Western Australian Government will support the first Australian hub of Founders Factory in Perth, Western Australia, boosting the state’s innovation credentials. Founders Factory successfully operates in London, Johannesburg, Milan, Berlin, Bratislava, New York and Singapore.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive, Simon Trott, said, “Technology has always been at the forefront of our industry and Western Australia can be the Silicon Valley of the global mining industry.

“Our iron ore operations in the Pilbara are among the most technologically advanced in the world. This exciting new partnership gives us the opportunity to build on our innovative legacy to unlock new technologies and help our business find better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

“With the backing of industry and the State Government, local and international start-ups will receive investment opportunities and access to real-world testing and scaling support, helping Western Australia’s innovation economy to grow.”

Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said, “Securing the internationally renowned Founders Factory for Perth is a major coup for our state.

“This is the first time the tech accelerator has operated in Australia, providing a springboard for innovative local businesses to reach an international audience and maximise their chances of success.

“My government is committed to decarbonising our economy by 2050 and it’s vital that we support local startups developing the technology to reach this goal.

“This three-year partnership will further cement WA’s position as a global leader in research and the development, helping to diversify the economy and create the jobs of the future.”

Founders Factory CEO, Henry Lane, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Rio Tinto and launching operations in Western Australia. Startups can drive further productivity, safety and automation in the mining sector, whilst accelerating the industry’s transition to net zero.

“This program can help international and local founders test their technologies with the global leader in the sector and find pathways to commercial scale and impact.”