With its commitment to overcoming obstacles faced when working in remote locations, such as those found in Angola, specialist mining training provider Prisma Training Solutions is offering its latest training initiative aimed at equipping local employees with the specialised skills and knowledge necessary for safe and efficient mine operations.

This has been accomplished by continuously developing new training delivery methods to accommodate the lack of adequate training facilities and infrastructure.

“The initiative, launched in May 2024 at Angola’s largest diamond mine, aims to equip local employees with the specialised skills and knowledge necessary for safe and efficient mine operations,” says Prisma Training Solutions metallurgy training manager Carol Brandt.

She adds that the new project is being run in conjunction with a South African engineering group specialising in the design and construction of mineral processing plants.

Prisma is an education and training authority accredited by the Mining Qualifications Authority to provide tertiary education in the mining sector.

Recognising the critical importance of building local capacity, Brandt says the Angola project focuses on providing comprehensive operational-readiness training to the mine’s workforce.

As such, Prisma’s training curriculum encompasses key areas such as metallurgy, basic engineering, mobile machine operation and rigorous safety protocols, ensuring that employees are well-prepared to manage all aspects of mine operations independently within a few years.

“This approach aligns with local regulations, which mandate that mining companies leave operational sites fully equipped and empower local employees with the skills and knowledge for long-term self-sufficiency.”

Importantly, she notes that a cornerstone of the Angola project is Prisma’s innovative “train the trainer” model, which is an approach that goes beyond traditional skills transfer by identifying and developing local employees as future trainers.

“By equipping individuals with the necessary teaching skills and comprehensive knowledge, Prisma ensures the long-term sustainability of knowledge transfer within the mine,” she explains.

This commitment to building local training capacity, says Brandt, empowers the mine to maintain high operational standards and continuously improve its workforce capabilities even after the initial training phase is complete.

The project also exemplifies Prisma’s dedication to workforce development in challenging and remote environments, she highlights.

By providing high-quality, accredited training that meets international standards, Prisma not only contributes to the success of the mine but also plays a vital role in supporting the growth and development of Angola’s rapidly growing mining industry, adds Brandt.

Ongoing Upskilling
Key objectives of the Prisma partnership with the Angolan miner include the upskilling of the mine’s workforce by equipping employees with the necessary skills and qualifications to operate the mine safely and efficiently, including National Qualifications Framework Level 2 and Level 3 – operator and first line supervisor respectively – qualifications in mineral processing.

“We are proud of Prisma’s ability to promote industry best practices by introducing and implementing internationally recognised training standards and best practices in mining operations,” says Brandt, adding that by developing a skilled and empowered local workforce, this project will contribute to long-term sustainability as the mine ramps up to its projected production capacity of 20-million carats a year.

Delivering high-quality training in a remote location presents unique challenges, including language barriers, limited infrastructure and evolving operational requirements.

“Prisma’s continuous adaptation of the training programme to address the dynamic operational needs of the mine provides confidence that the outcome will empower the mine’s workforce and contribute significantly to the growth of Angola’s mining industry,” concludes Brandt.