CASPEO launches e-learning mining platform

CASPEO has launched its e-learning platform for mineral processing engineering professionals.

The first available on-demand course proposes two case studies to learn how to use modelling and simulation approaches to design and optimise mineral processes. Through video lessons and quizzes, trainees are invited to design a grinding and classification circuit, then work on the optimisation of a grinding and flotation circuit.

“The course allows the trainees to work on real-world scenarios and to have the opportunity to use USIM PAC, the most well-known mineral processing simulation software - a 60-day education license is provided with the course," said Stéphane Brochot, CASPEO co-managing director.

The idea is to make it as easy as possible for people to improve their competencies through self-regulated learning, providing engineering students with practical skills to enhance their employability, and professionals to advance their career.

For companies, it is a way to train a large workforce at less cost, facilitate the integration of new engineers, secure a project launch and enhance individual commitment.

Having to attend a course in person can be a barrier to participation, added Marie-Véronique Durance, co-managing director.

"Our platform will give mineral professionals around the world the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of process modelling and simulation and to complete courses wherever they are, at their own pace and in an easily digestible format. Our self-paced online courses are delivered through a true e-learning platform that can be accessed on any device with an Internet connection.”

After celebrating the 35^th anniversary of its process simulator USIM PAC last year, CASPEO's e-learning platform is designed to train mining executives and raise their knowledge of digital solutions for smart mining.

Today's mining industry is facing many challenges, from lower grades to more complex deposits and market demands variation.

Mining companies are pushed to experiment new operational strategies without impacting production, and process modelling and simulation constitute the most powerful methods to design, scale-up and upgrade processing plants.

These require analysis tools to estimate different configurations and also skilled people who have a general overview of processes across the entire value chain, from ores to metal.

The future of mining is linked intimately to technology. However, the mining industry is experiencing a significant labour shortage due to a wave of retirement and the declining number of graduated mining engineers, thus limiting the adoption and the development of new technologies.

CASPEO is working on an on demand training course on metallurgical accounting, which is a key tool for determining the real performances of a metallurgical installation and achieving operational excellence. 

Such a system covers the full production process from the mine to the final smelter and/or refinery, and is essential to manage base metals, when processing precious and critical materials. The course will provide a clear understanding of metal accounting and explore the main stages to implement such a system.

The e-learning market in the UK is expected to grow by $9.94bn from 2020 to 2025, according to Technavio, and 34% of global growth will originate from the US.