Our Stories
Development From Within Fekola is Cardinal
August 15, 2022
In 2021, expansion of Fekola’s open pit mining operations in Mali into the Cardinal Zone meant an expansion of the mining fleet and the up-skilling of its current operator workforce.
Fekola’s Mining team developed a structured plan to tackle this important task. The focus was on skills development within its current group of mining employees to promote the best performers into more skilled and senior positions. Remaining unskilled vacancies were filled by external applicants from local villages.
“A solid approach was needed to staff the Cardinal expansion safely and on time and to meet the high demands of production – very similar to the mine’s transition from construction to operations a couple of years ago,” said Christopher Power, Mine Manager of the Fekola Mine.
SAFE TRAINING IN SIMULATORS
The first step was to purchase the world-class WX Training Management System and Cybermine machine simulators, including the CAT 789D haul truck, 6020B excavator, 6040D front shovel, and MD6250 drill rig. This provided the means to fine-tune operator training in a controlled environment, simulating a variety of mining situations before entering the field.
The second step was to transition these trainees into the field. Skilled operators mentored their trainee colleagues – not only guiding their juniors but further developing themselves in the process.
UP-SKILLING BENEFITS
Promotion from within has included the development and up-skilling of female colleagues, which has allowed them to excel in their roles. Siaka Sanogo, Mine Training Supervisor, talks with admiration about female colleagues who have progressed from being ‘beginners’ on 777s to multi-skilled operators by way of the Cardinal training drive. “Nowadays, the number of female haul truck operators has not only increased but many of our female colleagues are now adept at handling all kinds of heavy machinery like CAT 6020 excavators, graders, drill rigs, and wheel dozers. They contribute to production as accomplished operators in a field traditionally dominated by men.”
The project-to-date includes a total of 40 semi-skilled employees promoted to skilled roles, 197 promoted from un-skilled to semi-skilled roles, and 108 un-skilled vacancies filled by members of the local communities – all of whom will also receive skills training.
Grant Jukawics, Deputy Mine Manager, emphasizes that this initiative has boosted staff morale and benefited the Company as a whole. “The satisfaction of everyone within the department has been evident, with persons from all over eager to be a part of the initiative. Up-skilling our current employees resulted in a content and confident workforce. They can see and experience first-hand our commitment to employee development and local employment.”
