At Komatsu, we believe that robust training is the cornerstone of safe, productive, and future-ready mining operations.

Aniruddha Mukherjee
Chief Manager - Product Performance, Komatsu

How critical is training and skilling in today’s mining equipment industry?

With the rapid integration of advanced technologies such as continuous cutting systems, intelligent machine controls, and real-time diagnostics, today’s mining environment demands a highly skilled workforce. Operators and maintenance teams must be equipped not only to run the machines efficiently but also to diagnose issues and interpret data to ensure optimal performance with minimum downtime.

Through close collaboration with our customers, we’ve seen firsthand how targeted training directly boosts productivity, enhances safety, and lowers operational costs. By collaborating on immersive simulators, digital learning, and on-site skill development, we aim to empower their workforce to fully leverage the advanced capabilities of their equipment. Ultimately, investing in their people is investing in their performance and our shared success as the industry progresses.

How has the approach towards workforce training evolved over the last few years?

Driven by technological advancement and the need for operational excellence in increasingly complex environments, the landscape of workforce training in the mining sector has undergone a profound transformation over the last few years.

Recognizing the evolving needs of modern mining, we’re partnering with our customers to move beyond traditional, classroom-based methods of upskilling. We’re implementing blended learning models that integrate instructor-led sessions, virtual classrooms, advanced simulators, and digital learning platforms. This comprehensive approach provides enhanced flexibility, accessibility, and precision, allowing for personalized learning paths tailored to roles, experience levels, and performance goals within the teams. Training initiatives now integrate with real-time machine data, creating hands-on learning experiences that closely replicate actual field conditions. For example, using advanced simulators, operators can develop muscle memory and enhance their ability to handle critical situations safely without impacting live operations, downtime or damaging equipment.

Ultimately, training is evolving from a standardized activity into a data-driven, technology-driven development process, ensuring that the workforce is not only highly skilled but also readily adaptable to the future demands of mining operations.

What are the key skill gaps you observe among operators, technicians, and maintenance teams handling mining equipment?

As mining technology advances rapidly, a significant skills gap is emerging, impacting operational efficiency.

One of the most pressing gaps is technical proficiency — many operators struggle to fully understand or utilize advanced machine features, resulting in underperformance and avoidable wear and tear. Additionally, limited hands-on experience, particularly with digital diagnostics and automation tools, often leads to reactive rather than preventive maintenance.

Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are also lacking. When unexpected faults occur, field teams often depend heavily on expert support instead of conducting first-level diagnostics themselves. Moreover, with mining machinery now producing vast amounts of operational data, there is a clear deficiency in data interpretation and communication skills — both critical for improving uptime and cost efficiency.

Targeted skilling initiatives are required to be frequently implemented to bridge these gaps. The objective of such programs should extend beyond basic upskilling to ensure the workforce is future-ready, capable of confident and independent decision-making in demanding operational settings.

What are the major mining-related training and skilling initiatives undertaken by your company for your employees, operators, and customers?

At Komatsu, we believe that robust training is the cornerstone of safe, productive, and future-ready mining operations. Over the years, we’ve built a thorough, multi-tiered training ecosystem that serves not just our employees but also the needs of customers across mining sites.

This framework offers training programs that utilize on-site, remote, and virtual platforms and are specifically designed to meet the demands of equipment complexity, workforce requirements, and the unique context of each mining operation:

·  On-site machine-specific: covering electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems — supported by hands-on training panels for practical troubleshooting.

·   Virtual machine familiarization, including component removal animations and virtual 360 degree walk-throughs that allow operators to understand key systems before entering the field.

·  E-learning modules that provide flexible, self-paced knowledge building and can be seamlessly paired with instructor-led sessions.

·  Customized Training Programs (CTP) that offer 24/7 content access, performance tracking, and personalized coaching based on individual assessments.

·  Follow-up and refresher training, which ensures our workforce stays aligned with evolving technologies, regulations, and best practices.

These initiatives reflect our core philosophy: when people are empowered with the right skills, machines perform better, downtime drops, and the entire mining ecosystem benefits.

We actively partner with mining companies & stakeholders to develop site-specific programs and learning modules, ensuring that our training is relevant, actionable, and aligned with real-world challenges.

What innovative training methods (e.g., simulators, VR-based training, online modules, hands-on workshops) are you using to upskill personnel? How effective have these been?

Innovation in training is not optional in today’s mining landscape — it’s a strategic necessity. We leverage a combination of cutting-edge tools and proven instructional strategies to develop skilled, confident personnel who can handle the demands of modern equipment.

· VR based simulators provide immersive, safe training environments where new operators can gain real-world experience without risk. These simulators replicate actual machine controls, allowing skill transfer to the field with minimal friction.

·  Remote E-learning platforms offer knowledge-based content that can be accessed at any time, enabling learners to progress at their own pace while integrating seamlessly with on-site practical modules.

·  Virtual machine tours and animation-based component training help trainees visualize complex systems, such as hydraulic circuits or electrical layouts, reducing reliance on static manuals.

· Custom-built Electrical and Hydraulic Circuit Animations and instructor-guided troubleshooting enhance deep technical understanding.

·  Performance assessments, progress tracking, and reporting ensure the entire process is measurable, transparent, and aligned with retraining needs.

These innovations transform mining with faster onboarding, safer practices, measurable performance improvements, and reduced costs. This future-ready workforce helps drive longer machine life and greater operational efficiency.

What are the major challenges you face in implementing effective training programs in India?

Implementing effective training programs across India’s mining sector is both a necessity and a challenge. While the demand for skilled operators and technicians is growing rapidly, several systemic and ground-level hurdles continue to impact training effectiveness.

One of the most pressing challenges is the wide variance in education levels, technical competency, and digital readiness across regions. India’s geographic and linguistic diversity also requires content to be adapted not just linguistically but pedagogically — making “one-size-fits-all” training models ineffective.

Infrastructure gaps, particularly in remote mining locations, further complicate training delivery. Unreliable internet access and limited physical classroom facilities hinder the deployment of advanced training tools like VR simulators or e-learning platforms.