If members of the Biloela community have ever wondered what it feels like to drive a huge haul truck on a mine site, their lucky day has finally arrived.

Callide mine has teamed up with Lee Crane Hire to bring Callide’s training simulator to the Callide Valley Show, where show-goers will have the opportunity to virtually drive a Caterpillar 789c truck.

Callide mine General Manager Dave Palmer said experienced trainers from the mine would be on hand to help visitors at the Anglo American information booth hop aboard and safely learn what it takes to manoeuvre a large haul truck in a mining situation.

“All our trainee operators spend approximately 50 hours on the simulator before they start on the job in the trucks,” Mr Palmer said.

“The simulator is set to mirror the conditions you would find a truck working under at site, such as transporting a load of up to 180 tonnes.

“We are delighted to provide the local community with the opportunity to have the full mine site training experience this weekend,” he said.

Greg Lee of Lee Crane Hire, tasked with transporting the simulator to the showgrounds, said he expected the simulator to be very popular.

“We are thrilled to partner with Callide mine to bring another great attraction to the show,” Mr Lee said.

Visitors to the stand will also be able to discuss the Boundary Hill South project with Callide mine’s Stakeholder Engagement Officer Phillip Casey.

Mr Casey said as an added attraction, face painting and a colouring competition will available for the kids, “so put the Anglo American stand on your show to-do list”, he said.

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