Barrick Gold, a large gold producer, has partnered with PRISMA Training Solutions, a leading professional training provider, to enhance training at its sites in Tanzania.
The gold producer has targeted fostering local mining sector growth at its North Mara and Bulyanhulu mining projects and has collaborated with PRISMA in order to deliver tailored and sustainable education and training solutions. The aim of the partnership is to enhance productivity, efficiency and safety at the sites while prioritising human capital development and elevating the capabilities of local suppliers.
The project, which is expected to last three to five years, began with a gap analysis encompassing technical training, compliance, safety measures, surface training, career development and training planning. Initially, the focus was on evaluating mine technical training with the subsequent phase assessing surface training, soft skills, mineral processing and plant operation training.
With this completed, a formal analysis report was generated with recommendations for the implementation of necessary training services at the mines. The advised actions revolve around resource allocation, trainer placement, curriculum design, learning material enhancement and the potential inclusion of software and technology. It also addressed community upliftment and skills transfer at both mining sites.
In January 2023, PRISMA began deploying trainers to develop learning materials and evaluate the competencies of both permanent and contracted employees on-site. They also established concrete career path frameworks to rectify existing frustrations surrounding the lack of growth opportunities in the mining environment.
Jacques Farmer, managing director at PRISMA, commented, “This effort aligns with our resource management and human capital development strategies. We are moving forward toward the ultimate goal of transferring skills and competencies to the organisation’s internal training department. This will establish their efficiencies and effectiveness to eliminate the need to rely on external training providers from other African countries.”
The project is now deep in the third phase. At this point, PRISMA has begun implementing the recommendations made in the first two phases that will set the wheels in motion for self-sufficiency.
The two entities have highlighted the focus on localisation, with PRIMSA proposing conducting induction and initial training in Kiswahili, the local language, and establishing clear career paths for mine workers. In addition, the Women in Mining initiative was championed to raise diversity and inclusion, with 20 women from local communities trained to operate underground dump trucks over approximately six months.
Notably, PRISMA has promoted the use of cutting-edge technology in teaching methods. At the Tanzanian sites, it utilised both underground and open-air mock mine environments to simulate real working conditions for trainees. By interacting with lifelike simulations, miners can refine their skills, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
The organisation’s e-learning platform is being updated, and this is being incorporated into training practices along with a psychometric assessment tool to assess learners’ capabilities in different underground mining scenarios.
“Looking at Barrick’s journey from last year to now, there’s been a transformative shift. We’ve introduced a human capital development career path for miners and completed the implementation of a total quality management system,” remarked Farmer. “Moving forward, whether it’s a PRISMA or Barrick trainer, they will be equipped with the process to train, assess, manage grievances, handle discipline, conduct moderation, perform audits, and manage training matrices and needs analyses for the upcoming year.”
“This partnership serves as a testament to the profound impact of localised skills development within the African mining sector. It underscores the pioneering role of African suppliers, showcasing their ability to deliver world-class training interventions right on the continent. This alliance stands as a transformative model, charting a path towards enhanced productivity, safety, and industry excellence for years to come.”
