FQM rolls out skills growth blueprint
FIRST Quantum Minerals’ (FQM) Sentinel Mine comprehensive skills development programme is helping to improve operations in the mining firm’s projects.
The development programme will also boost the workforce and provide more jobs to local people.
Mine Operations Manager, Rees Magrath, said the company was an equal opportunity employer and embraced Zambia’s diversity.
About 50 local haul truck operators have secured jobs under the programme which was aimed at giving individuals with no experience of operating mining equipment or vehicles an opportunity to expand their knowledge base.
Mr Magrath said that the programme was helping to improve operations in the mining firm’s projects, boost its workforce, and provide more jobs to local people.
“We are now over two years into the programme and we have successfully brought on board about 50 new operators that otherwise would not have had the opportunity.
“We are very glad that they took the opportunity that was made available and they are contributing to our mine operations today,” he said.
Mr Magrath said the company was expanding that programme into the Mine’s drilling and tracked dozer fleet and ultimately offering the opportunity for people to consider a career in mining.
“It is a project that we are proud of and I think it is something that the Training team need to be highly commended for.
“The project team through the Trident Foundation went into our local community, engaged with the local leadership and managed to source our pilot team of young people from the region,” he said.
FQM, Mr Magrath said, believed that direct employment was one of the key benefits a mine delivers in terms of social and economic impact.
He said skills training, entrepreneurial programmes and efforts to foster local economic development were also vital for long-term sustainable prosperity. “Development of the local economy in which the mining firm operates is a key priority identified during the on-going dialogue with local communities.
“Opportunities for employment for locals exist from increased demand in the new Kalumbila town and the skills that can be provided competitively for mining,” Mr Magrath said.