An Investigation of Learning Needs in the Mining Industry

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The article highlights the importance of learning needs analysis for adult learners. In the conclusion the authors briefly mention that the results obtained will be useful for future developments of the project and related activities. It would be helpful to expand on this point by discussing the potential implications of the research findings for future courses or projects in the mining industry or adult education. Consider providing some concrete examples of how the results of the learning needs analysis could be practically applied to course design within the DigiRescueMe project. This can help readers envision the real-world impact of your work.

Author Response

Thank you very much for your suggestion!

The Section “6. Conclusions” has been integrated in order to clarify how these activities are important in general and, in particular, they are fundamental for the  success of the mentioned project.

Reviewer 2 Report

Mine safety is strongly related with the mining method applied in the mine, the mine planning and design and the engineering applied in the mining operation.

The greatest interest of this publication is to have made an important effort to define generic bases that can serve as a reference for a very wide set of mining activities. In this sense, it is appropriate to congratulate the authors for the effort made.

Given the evolution that has occurred in mining in recent years, a greater number of more recently published references to base this paper is something to be found missing. Likewise, a certain classification of them is also missing, since open pit mining operations do not have the same degree of accidents or risk as underground operations.

Mine safety is an ongoing commitment. It's not enough to provide initial training; continuous reinforcement and a proactive approach to safety are essential for a safer mining environment.

Author Response

Thank you very much!

Reviewer 3 Report

Interesting study. Detailed comments are included in the annotated version of the paper. 

Clarity is required in some portions of the paper. 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Minor edits needed as indicated in the annotated paper. 

Author Response

Thank you very much for your punctual comments.

As showed in the following table, we tried to provide answers to all of them.