Modern Mining May 2024

HEALTH AND SAFETY

MRTA – training for exceptional performance

I n its recently released annual Facts & Figures 2023 booklet summarising the performance of the South African mining industry, the Minerals Council South Africa estimated that the min ing sector added more than 7 500 jobs last year, employing 477 000 people. Although the industry has limited training cen tres available that offer skills development across a multitude of specialist areas, the good news is that engineering and mining contractor Murray & Roberts Cementation Training Academy’s (MRTA’s) new R36 million ‘mock-up’ facility for underground mechanised mining is available to aid mining houses upskill novices. Hosting a media delegation to view its new mock up facility, the MRTA team showcased its impressive new facility as well as resources that catered for tra ditional mining methods. According to Murray & Roberts Cementation’s Education, Training and Development Executive, Tony Pretorius, the company continues to invest in expanding infrastructure to cater for training aligned to modern mining. Pretorius explains that the entity realised it could unlock further value from upgrading its Bentley Park training complex to offer a realistic, but safe and cost-effective learning environment for operators and supervisors of mechanised mining equipment. The company delivers customised services to its clients, both locally and regionally, providing an entire scope of training across the mining value chain The mining industry added over 7 500 jobs last year, which translates to more personnel requiring fit-for-purpose train ing to operate efficiently in the highly demanding mining environment.

from shaft sinking, mining services and engineering services to health and safety and mechanised min ing, amongst others. “When mines began to transition from con ventional mining methods to more mechanised, modernised mining methods, MRTA took the oppor tunity to align with the latest skills development requirements. Around 2019 we took a decision to focus on skills development across three main areas – supervisory, operator, and engineering ser vices and involved experienced mining personnel from Australia to assist in fine tuning our simulator

From left, Danie Van der Westhuizen, Roderick Swartbooi, Joseph Bahumi and Eugene Pienaar outside the new mock-up

facility at Murray & Roberts Cementation’s Bentley Park training complex.

The extensive new mock-up facility closely resembles a real underground hard rock mechanised bord-and-pillar mining workplace.

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May 2024  MODERN MINING  27