Aust training for Lihir staff

 A LOCAL employee of Lihir Gold operations is undergoing training overseas to operate the thermal imagining camera to maintain the reliability of the process plant assets. 

Towa Soma from Namatanai in New Ireland is being trained in Australia in the field of condition monitoring. 

The company said in a statement that it would continue to invest in building the capacity of its local workforce through specialised training, effective coaching and mentoring programmes. 

Infrared thermography is a specialised technology utilised on the mine site to routinely monitor the operation of plant equipment. 

Commonly referred to as thermal imagining, infrared thermography involves the use of a specialised camera that locates radiated or heat energy, to optimise plant and equipment reliability. 

The thermographic camera is vital for the routine monitoring of bearings, high speed shafts, engines, radiators, and tyres. 

“I feel privileged and thankful for having this opportunity. 

“The training has given me the confidence to operate the complex thermal imagining camera and provide accurate reports in order to maintain the reliability of the process plant assets,” Towa said. 

Soma joined the Lihir Gold mine six years ago after graduating with a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering from Lae Technical College. 

“My first position was a lubrication technician and I have progressed to a condition monitoring and non-destructive testing technician. 

“I attribute my career success to the training and development plans available at the Lihir Gold operations in the specialist area of monitoring techniques including; ultrasonics, acoustics, laser alignment and high voltage motor diagnostics.”