SITE SKILLS x OCEANA GOLD
Underground mine training environment
2015 +
Client
Oceana Gold: Dipidio Mine Philippines
The Results
“This simulated environment represents a significant community-service commitment suitable for the development of safe, competent work practice. With 250 metres of metalliferous tunnelling, the environment has been purpose built for competency assessment and training of underground mine personnel.”
Asia’s only simulated environment of its kind delivering workforce-ready skills for Philippines and the region.
Site Skills partnered with OceanaGold to design, construct, and operate a fully immersive underground metalliferous mine training environment at our Clark Freeport campus. Asia’s only simulator of its kind delivering workforce-ready skills for for Philippines and the region.
The Challenge
When Didipio transitioned to underground mining and later recommenced operations, OceanaGold needed a safe, scalable pipeline to build underground capability locally shortening time-to-competence and reducing in-mine training exposure while developing talent from host communities.
250
Simulated underground hard-rock tunnelling (competency-assessed work areas for drill & blast, ground support, services, emergency response)
25+
25+ specialised underground training modules - hands-on experience in hazard control, ground support, blasting, ventilation, and equipment operations
3,400,000
US$1m design and build contribution by Oceana Gold's and US$2.4m training commitment by the Dipidio Mine
Our Solution
Purpose-Built Underground Training Environment – A fully immersive metalliferous mine simulation at Site Skills Training Clark, designed and constructed in collaboration with OceanaGold and industry partners including Monark Caterpillar, Orica, Indodrill, Immersive Technologies, Mynesight, and MineARC to authentically replicate underground mining conditions.
Integrated Learning Pathways – Blended classroom, workshop, and hands-on simulation training combining safety, technical, and operational competencies across underground mining, ground control, services, and equipment operation.
Safer, Faster Deployment – Off-orebody practice with standardised procedures improves safety culture, technical consistency, and workforce readiness while significantly reducing time-to-competence before deployment to site.
Scalable Workforce Development Model – Structured, multi-cohort programs supported by OEM and industry partners, enabling large-scale training, local workforce development, and long-term capability building for OceanaGold and the wider resources sector.
Training Programs
Safety, Compliance & Hazard Management – Comprehensive training in workplace communication, legal obligations, isolation and tagging, hazard identification, risk assessment, emergency procedures, and mine safety standards.
Underground Mining Operations – Practical instruction in ventilation, mine gases, strata control, ground support installation, blasting fundamentals, and operational procedures within the simulated underground environment.
Mine Services & Equipment Operations – Hands-on training in dewatering systems, pipe fitting, electrical and service-crew works, material transport, and operation of underground machinery such as IT loaders, jumbos, and utility vehicles.
Professional Skills & Work Readiness – Development of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities to prepare trainees for safe, competent, and productive integration into underground mining teams
Project Industry Partners
