Mastering Mining and Construction Industry Jargon and Understanding: Ensuring Accuracy and Zero Flaws in Technical Translation
Pedro Valdez, one of the founders and Executive Director of TISOL, discusses the importance and role of technical translation and interpretation in the mining and construction sectors, where companies strive to align with global standards, which are often developed in other languages.
1. How does TISOL ensure technical accuracy in translating complex documents, considering regional variations in terminology in industries such as construction and mining?
TISOL employs teams of translators and interpreters with experience in megaprojects across South and Central America. This experience includes assisting world-class experts, which enriches their knowledge as they observe the project’s development, until its completion. In addition, TISOL has a team of senior reviewers with project management and execution experience who ensure quality and act as mentors during regular training sessions held for translators and interpreters, focusing on key aspects of construction and mining projects.
2. What are the biggest challenges in working with specific technical terminology in these industries, and how do you overcome them?
Meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality is fundamental, as is adhering to internal, group, and industry standards at both national and international levels. In interpretation, ensuring that the message is clearly understood is crucial, especially when localisms or regionalisms are combined with technical terminology. The biggest challenge is meeting the client's and parent company’s standards, particularly as tasks become increasingly complex and involve higher levels of exposure. This trust demonstrates that we are doing things right.
3. Why is it crucial to opt for specialized technical translation services instead of using online translation tools or automated applications?
A specialized service guarantees precision and context, adapting to the specific terminology of the industry—something online tools cannot achieve. The global mining industry constantly improves its safety, operational, and environmental standards, requiring the implementation of technologies and programs by world-class experts. These processes demand that Peruvian professionals clearly understand, both on-site implementations and related documentation, where an incorrect translation or poorly communicated message must be avoided at all costs, as it can lead to errors and eventually to a fatal flaw.
4. Can you share an example of a particularly challenging project and how you managed to meet the client's requirements in terms of accuracy and delivery time?
One of the most challenging projects involved updating the emergency rescue processes and procedures of a mining client to align with the group’s global standards. This project required extensive documentation translation and the support of interpreters during on-site training of emergency brigades. A simulation in an underground mine, 500 meters deep, focused on the correct use of respirators while searching for a refuge. It was physically demanding, but the success of the simulation and understanding the mine rescue process were gratifying. Each project has its difficulties and rewards, with the highly technical ones being the most rewarding.
In summary, technical translation and interpretation are essential in critical sectors such as mining and construction, where precision and a clear understanding of technical terminology are crucial for the success of projects.