Use of Kirkpatrick evaluation model in simulation-based trainings for the mining industry - A case study for froth flotation

•Description of the development of a froth flotation simulator-based training based on dynamic process models.•Testing of the solution with 16 operators before they start their work on a greenfield spodumene mine.•The simulator was evaluated using the first two levels of Kirkpatrick evaluation model, reaction (trainee’s feedback, traditional method) and Learning (Simulator-based evaluation).•Different conclusions can be made based on the level of evaluation used, which puts into question using trainee’s feedback (Reaction) to access the efficacy of trainings in the minerals industry.