This was reported by Erik Elsmark, Eurasia, Africa and the Middle East district manager at Caterpillar, who came to St. Petersburg to participate in the Future Leaders Forum of the World Petroleum Council.
According to the plans, the research and educational center will be established at the premises of Saint-Petersburg Mining University. One of the world's largest construction equipment manufacturers will supply the lab with computers and software that allow making the study curriculum whilst taking into account the current level of development of heavy engineering – most importantly, in the areas related to the transportation of ores, operation of mining trucks and use of excavating and other heavy machinery. In addition, the labs will be equipped by Caterpillar with display stands to showcase main structural units and elements of the company’s production, as well as with virtual reality simulators that would imitate real-life work processes.
As Erik Elsmark noted, "Our primary aim is to create a high-tech research lab, a place where we could organize practical training for students, advanced training courses for the end users of our products, a place where we could create innovations. Through establishment of this center in the Mining University, we will be able to improve efficiency of the use and maintenance of our equipment. Talking about our choice of a partner, it has been greatly affected by the fact that the host party has been long involved in the development of staff competencies. Moreover, this work is now conducted on a wholly new level – under the auspices of UNESCO".
Mr. Elsmark was also acquainted with the activities of similar research and educational centers that have been already operating in the Mining University. One of them was established in cooperation with Schneider Electric. Its primary function is to familiarize students and employed engineers with the newest energy-efficient solutions designed for industrial companies, data centers and domestic buildings. The equipment and software for the second center was supplied by Orica, an Australian-based multinational corporation, the world's largest provider of commercial explosives.
Giving his notes on the preparations, Vladimir Litvinenko, the Rector of the Mining University said, "The premises for the new Caterpillar center will be ready in September. In conjunction with Mr. Elsmark, we have reached a preliminary agreement on official opening to be scheduled for October. It will take place as a part of the III Russian-British Raw Materials Dialogue, which is also held at the Mining University".
