An underground gold mine in Canning Vale? — Gold Industry Group

As you step through the entrance of the Westgold Training Centre, you quickly see the dedication to practical, hands-on learning. The facility spans an expansive area, housing a carefully curated range of simulations and training modules – with equipment donated from the Westgold mines.

All new Westgold underground and processing employees (including contractors) are inducted at the centre. Those who already have operational experience, or those in management, might only spend a day here. However, inexperienced workers who are new to the industry will spend at least three days at the facility, learning about what to expect when they arrive at the mine site for the first time.

The heart of the facility is the underground mine simulation, that closely replicates the unique conditions miners face once they enter the portal.  It’s dark, with underground sound effects, providing the impression of a real underground environment.

During the recruits’ visit to the mine simulation, they are exposed to the various services used in the mine, are provided with an appreciation of the various ground support methods, and even view a blast being detonated as this is projected against one of the screens inside the simulator.

Safety is key underground and during an emergency response scenario, trainees must don their self-rescuers and use their cap lamps to navigate smoke (generated artificially) and find their way to an emergency refuge chamber.

Once inside the 12-person refuge chamber, the new recruits acclimatise themselves to their situation. It’s an incredible learning moment and a great way to emphasise that safety of our people is a priority in everything they do. As the Training Coordinator, Andy McCullough succinctly states – “Safety starts here”.

Running through these scenarios ultimately ensures that when these recruits finally step onto a Westgold mine, they do so with increased confidence and knowledge, and ready to effectively identify and mitigate any risks and hazards.

As you step through the entrance of the Westgold Training Centre, you quickly see the dedication to practical, hands-on learning. The facility spans an expansive area, housing a carefully curated range of simulations and training modules – with equipment donated from the Westgold mines.

All new Westgold underground and processing employees (including contractors) are inducted at the centre. Those who already have operational experience, or those in management, might only spend a day here. However, inexperienced workers who are new to the industry will spend at least three days at the facility, learning about what to expect when they arrive at the mine site for the first time.

The heart of the facility is the underground mine simulation, that closely replicates the unique conditions miners face once they enter the portal.  It’s dark, with underground sound effects, providing the impression of a real underground environment.

During the recruits’ visit to the mine simulation, they are exposed to the various services used in the mine, are provided with an appreciation of the various ground support methods, and even view a blast being detonated as this is projected against one of the screens inside the simulator.

Safety is key underground and during an emergency response scenario, trainees must don their self-rescuers and use their cap lamps to navigate smoke (generated artificially) and find their way to an emergency refuge chamber.

Once inside the 12-person refuge chamber, the new recruits acclimatise themselves to their situation. It’s an incredible learning moment and a great way to emphasise that safety of our people is a priority in everything they do. As the Training Coordinator, Andy McCullough succinctly states – “Safety starts here”.

Running through these scenarios ultimately ensures that when these recruits finally step onto a Westgold mine, they do so with increased confidence and knowledge, and ready to effectively identify and mitigate any risks and hazards.