Training plays a pivotal role in this transition by raising awareness and shaping safer workplace behaviours.

Subhasis Mohanty
MD & VP India & Middle East Sales Area, Normet India

How critical is training and skilling in today’s mining equipment industry? How has the approach towards workforce training evolved over the last few years?

Training and skilling have become critical in today’s mining equipment industry, particularly in India, due to the rapid adoption of advanced technologies such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), IoT and data analytics. Operators and technicians are now required to handle increasingly sophisticated equipment and interpret complex, data-driven insights, making continuous learning essential. In addition, given the nature of mining, there is a growing emphasis on safety as not just a compliance measure, but as part of a broader shift towards a Behaviour Based Safety culture. Training plays a pivotal role in this transition by raising awareness and shaping safer workplace behaviours. Furthermore, as companies aim to enhance productivity, there is a strong focus on structured training programs that enable workers to improve equipment uptime through faster troubleshooting and more efficient maintenance of advanced machinery. Over the past few years, the approach to workforce training has significantly evolved from informal, on-the-job methods to more structured programs that increasingly incorporate digital learning, simulators and certifications in key skill areas. This evolution reflects the industry’s recognition that a well-trained workforce is essential not only for operational efficiency but also for long-term sustainability and safety.

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

Identifying skill gaps among operators, technicians and maintenance teams in the mining equipment industry can be challenging, as these often vary based on an individual’s experience and exposure. However, at a broader level, several key gaps are commonly observed. One major area is the ability to accurately diagnose complex mechanical, hydraulic and electrical faults. Additionally, there are notable gaps in awareness and understanding of evolving safety cultures, particularly about new compliance standards and regulations. Another significant area is the handling of new technologies such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), IoT-enabled systems and other advanced equipment. Addressing these gaps through targeted training and development is crucial for improving performance, safety, and overall operational efficiency in the mining sector.

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

Amongst many initiatives taken from time to time to upskill our workforce a few stand out:

•    Targeted training programs based on skill mapping designed to evaluate understanding of key technical domains: electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems—critical areas in the operation and maintenance of mining equipment.

•    Creating pool of highly skilled people for important mining processes to integrate skills and potential of various departments

•    Hiring and training of Graduate Engineer Trainees and Diploma Engineer Trainees from time to time to build a sustainable talent pipeline

•    Conducting Safety Workshops at our client sites benefitting workforce beyond Normet’s own employees

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

The greatest challenge lies in designing training programs that are highly practical while ensuring they can be conducted without disrupting the daily operations at mining sites.