Cardinal Namdini Mining Ltd (CNML), a large-scale mining firm in partnership with its subsidiary, Golden Dynasty Company Ltd (GDCL), has inducted 30 young people from its catchment communities in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region to be trained in mining operations.
The intervention formed part of a two-year youth capacity-building programme aimed at equipping them with practical skills in mining.
The initiative, launched last Saturday, was designed to bridge the skills gap in the mining sector, while creating sustainable employment opportunities for local youth and the host communities.
The training, which will combine theory and practical sessions covering key areas such as plant operations, milling, flotation, and crushing, would benefit trainees drawn from selected communities, including Biung, Digaare, Datuko, Sheaga, Buugu, Tolla among others.
Launch
Speaking at the launch, the Human Resource Officer in charge of recruitment at the GDCL, Jemima Ofori, described the programme as a strategic intervention to tackle youth unemployment and build a competent local workforce for the mining industry.
She explained that the programme was carefully designed to provide industry-relevant skills for young people, particularly those with secondary education, to enable them to work effectively in process plants.
“In a time when employment opportunities are expanding across the northern regions, it is critical that our youth are not left behind but are prepared to actively participate and thrive,” she said.
Ms Ofori noted that the initiative followed extensive community sensitisation across its catchment areas, during which chiefs collaborated to nominate candidates for selection, who then underwent aptitude tests and medical examinations.
“All 30 selected candidates have been successfully inducted and are ready to begin their training journey, which will be assessed every six months over four phases spanning two years”, she added.
Skills gap
The Head of CSR and Human Resource at the GDCL, Liu Jiakai, said the initiative was informed by the company’s difficulty in recruiting skilled local labour for its operations.
“We realised that it was hard to find skilled people locally with knowledge in mining and metallurgy, so we had to bring people from elsewhere. This programme is to change that by developing local talent,” he said.
Certification and employment
The Vice-President in charge of Community and Social Responsibility (CSR) and Security at the CNML, Qi Xuanya, said the programme underscored the company’s commitment to empowering youth and promoting sustainable development in its operational areas.
He indicated that trainees would gain hands-on experience and upon completion, have the opportunity to register with the Minerals Commission and become certified mine workers.
Commitment
The Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent at the CNML, Maxwell Wooma, highlighted the importance of the programme in building a skilled labour pool in the community to meet the mine’s demands.
He urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously and serve as ambassadors of their communities by demonstrating discipline, commitment and a willingness to learn throughout the programme.“If you take this for granted, you will not only affect your future but also deny others the opportunity to benefit from such programmes,” he advised.
Mr Wooma stressed that the initiative formed part of the company’s broader strategy to ensure a “win-win” relationship with host communities through employment, skills development and local economic participation.
Source:
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