Oyu Tolgoi, the gold and copper mine under development in the South Gobi desert of Mongolia, has underlined its commitment to training its workforce to world’s best standards by investing in simulator-based operator training technology provided by Immersive Technologies. OT is amongst the first mines in the world to purchase Immersive’s new PRO3 simulator. The PRO3 is specifically designed for surface mining and initially will support operator training of Komatsu haul trucks.Together with the PRO3 simulator, the sale included a comprehensive training package incorporating a five- year gold support program, Custom Mine Site, TrainerAdvantage^TM certification and Training Systems Integration programs.

As well as training its OT workforce, Oyu Tolgoi is running the largest vocational training program ever established in Mongolia. Many of the job skills are transferable – jobs will be created in IT, environmental management, and accountancy.

Cameron McRae, CEO of Oyu Tolgoi, said that the purchase of the simulators and support from Immersive reflected the mine’s continued commitment to ensuring its largely Mongolian operators are the best in the world.

“This equipment will help to make our operators among the best and the safest anywhere”, he said. “I look forward to seeing the equipment myself and talking to our operators in training.”

Immersive Technologies’ Regional Vice President, Mark Eaton-Reid said: “This simulation investment will enable Oyu Tolgoi to maximise its heavy equipment operator training throughput without impacting on the skills and knowledge transfer to new operators. The investment underlines Oyu Tolgoi’s unprecedented commitment to training, and Immersive’s continuing contribution to Mongolia.”

Oyu Tolgoi LLC is Mongolia’s largest copper and gold mining company and is a strategic partnership between the Government of Mongolia, Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto. Rio Tinto is the major shareholder in Ivanhoe Mines and the manager of the OT project. In addition to dividends from its stake in Oyu Tolgoi, the Government of Mongolia will receive taxes and royalties.

Located in the Gobi desert in southern Mongolia, it will be one of the largest and highest-grade copper and gold mines in the world. It is the largest project ever developed in Mongolia, requiring a capital investment for phase 1 of more than $6 billion. At least 9 out of 10 employees will be Mongolian once the mine is in production and OT is investing $85 million dollars in training.