Anglo American Platinum : partners with Siemens to co-create digital and automation skills for the mining industry

Anglo American Platinum's Engineering Skills Training Centre (ESTC) has unveiled automation equipment and industrial network technology donated by Siemens to be used to train and equip artisans at the centre. The equipment was unveiled at an event at the ESTC.

The donation of equipment comes as a result of a long-standing partnership with the company which has seen Anglo American Platinum and Siemens collaborating on skills development initiatives since 2009.

Lorato Mogaki, Anglo American Platinum's Executive Head for Human Resources said: 'We are proud to have seen more than 300 artisans successfully trained in Measurement Control and Instrumentation using the equipment donated by Siemens, moving on to careers as qualified artisans. At Anglo American Platinum, we aim to empower youth with relevant skills to help combat the scourge of youth unemployment in South Africa. We believe that artisanal training provides fast access to the job market and gainful employment.'

Gary Humphries, Anglo American Platinum's Executive Head for Processing said, 'The rapid rate of technology advancement in the digital space brings with it huge opportunities for Anglo American Platinum, and indeed the mining industry. However, the technology alone is not sufficient to deliver the expected benefits. Successful implementation and adoption of these new technologies is critically dependent on the recruitment and development of people. This key partnership with Siemens has enabled us to train and equip current and future engineers, and position them for working in an ever-digitizing working environment, and, understand the role of technology in the future of mining. Today we celebrate the handover of the Siemens Simatic wall and we look forward to empowering the current and future generation of skills at ESTC.'

The handover of this equipment to ESTC will provide a test bed of the latest generation of Siemens hardware. This is the second donation of equipment by Siemens to ESTC with the Automation Rig donated in 2014. The technology will provide artisans entering the workforce with specialized skills which will help them secure excellent career prospects within Anglo American Platinum and anywhere in the world.

Sabine Dall'Omo, CEO for Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa said, 'We are proud to be supporting Anglo American Platinum to advance skills and opportunities in Africa.'

The ESTC has been at the forefront of training artisanal related skills in South Africa since its inception in 1984. The centre has seen over 7000 students complete their trade tests in different trades, namely fitting and machining, plating, rigging, diesel mechanics, electrical, measurement control and instrumentation, and auto electrics.