To train high-standard operators for correct, safe, responsible and efficient operation. This was the objective behind the Rear Dump Truck Operation School, developed and implemented by workers at the Pacífico Superior mine, at Codelco División El Teniente.

“We detected the need to see how people acted in dangerous situations, such as fire risks, for example. In addition, we wanted to reinforce how they deal with other critical risks. Based on that, this school was created, considering aspects of operation, safety and also equipment mechanics,” explains Karin Bustamante, Head of Automation Process at Pacífico Superior, Codelco División El Teniente.

Thus, the expert operator and instructor of the Pacific Upper Unit, Rodrigo Marchant, together with the Unit Chief and the Process Chiefs, generated this training space, which was developed for the first time in March 2024, for six fixed-term workers, with 88 theoretical hours plus practical modules inside the mine.

Following the success of the initiative, a second version was developed in October with six members of the Codelco Aprendizas program - which promotes the incorporation of women into the mining industry, without the need for prior experience in the sector, through an intensive training program - and, in January of this year, the training was extended to the Andesite sector, with eight more people, thus totaling twenty trained workers.

“After the theoretical part, we carry out a written test and an oral evaluation on operational, maintenance and safety aspects. In addition, there are 3 practical phases totalling 980 hours, including a simulator for apprentices and 160 hours including a simulator for operators with experience and/or a fixed term,” says Marchant.

The instructor also points out that the plans and content were developed based on mechanical information from maintenance personnel, which was enriched in aspects of safety and operation of large tonnage trucks for mining, thanks to the experience in the use of this equipment in the area. “The purpose is to continue improving the content and training more people, whether from this unit or from other areas of the mine,” he adds.

Continuing education

Patricia Naranjo joined as an apprentice last year and is currently an operator at Pacífico Superior. “I thought the course was very good, because I learned a lot about everything, about mechanics, structure, how to act in emergencies. These are instances that make us feel safer as well and I love that we continue with learning opportunities,” she highlights.

For Karen Carrasco, also a truck operator, the experience was “wonderful in the sense that I never imagined I would learn to drive such a large truck. It taught me to believe in myself, to understand that I am capable of driving a truck. It is also great that women can take control of these machines. With this, I now feel that I can learn to operate any machine.”