By DERRICK SILIMINA
Braving the sweltering afternoon heat, Majory Ikowa skillfully engages the gears of the giant dump truck atop the FQM Trident Mine in Kalumbila District of North-Western Province.
Ikowa is one of the trainers of dump truck operators at FQM Trident, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM), and is a leading example for the next generation of females considering a career in the mining industry.
“As a simulator trainer, I can say that I have contributed much in skills and experience to our operators in charge of heavy haul truck machinery at the mine site,” says Ikowa, a Specialist Simulator Trainer.
From her humble beginnings, Ikowa was one of the 10 females who started work at Kansanshi mine in 2005 as a trainee operator after obtaining a competent driving skill from the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA). She later graduated and went on to become a competent operator on various dump trucks.
From 2009, Ikowa rose through the ranks from being a gate controller in Load and Haul to allocating machines to operators and was in charge of the crew register among other duties. In 2010, Ikowa was nominated to become a trainer for dump trucks and simulators in Ndola and further worked on the database for operators which she did up to 2013. While in Ndola, the first Training Manager transferred her to FQM Trident.
“I went back to Kansanshi for a short time and in August 2013, I was transferred to Kalumbila where I worked as both Simulator Trainer and Field Trainer. In 2017 I was acting as Simulator Coordinator and in 2018, I was appointed as Simulator Specialist.”
FQM recently invested in state-of-the-art haul truck simulators which are the perfect training tool for operators of large off-highway haul trucks.
FQM Technical Training Manager Mulenga Tembo says since the haul truck and dump truck fleet is the lifeblood of surface mining operations, effective haul truck operator training enhances safety and optimized production tonnage. Safe and efficient operation is essential to mine profitability.
“FQM is really big on imparting skills and knowledge into its workforce regardless of whether you’re an expatriate or a local. We do that very well here and when I am part of that, I can facilitate and foster such arrangements,” Tembo states.
SIMULATOR
She notes that the state-of-the-art simulator cab accurately replicates the interior of the actual vehicle whereby the mine trainee operates from a driver’s seat, surrounded by instruments and controls positioned at ergonomically correct locations.
A check at the hi-tech equipment stationed near the mine site discovers that the truck driver’s interface is accurate; down to steering and braking systems, lights, horns, indicators, pedals, and gauges, giving the operator the feel of the actual mine equipment.
During a demonstration, Tembo explains that the virtual 3D simulated mine paraphernalia comes complete with artificially intelligent, simulated shovels, excavators, bulldozers, haul trucks and other support equipment, together with pit, dump and crusher areas. In addition, the mine truck simulator systems are delivered with a highly realistic, operating, open pit simulated mine world in which to operate.
TEST DRIVE
A test drive by this writer establishes that full loading, hauling, reversing and dumping capability are all included with each haul truck and dump truck simulation, all based on detailed mathematical models that use original equipment manufacturer specifications to provide accurate behavioural realism.
FQM Trident Mine Training Superintendent Edson Masumba emphasizes that the machine operations training comes with four modules including basic machine operation, safety training, machine maintenance and productivity.
Productivity is done within the stipulated 18-day period and the simulator team hands over all the trainees to start the field practical training.
“Before we start the simulator training, we undertake pre-employment via interviews in partnership with the Human Resource Department. We carry out eye and hand coordination tests and subject the candidate to demonstration of prior learning on the actual machine to check whether the learner knows how to operate the equipment or not as well as silicosis and medical check-ups,” Masumba states.
Masumba who is also in charge of mobile equipment at the mine site adds that the intensive simulator training has proven to dramatically reduce risks, costs, and unscheduled maintenance to mine equipment while increasing trainers’ effectiveness and efficiency. Ultimately productivity is maximized. “FQM values the safety of its employees and first things first, safety is everything here, hence the investment in this state-of-the-art equipment. With the simulator training, the operator is able to keep cycle time, attain spotting time, and dumping time while the facility is able to offer comprehensive solutions that have proven to enhance safety and mine productivity.
