Mining training leader Prisma has partnered with a South African engineering group to deliver advanced skills training to local workers at Angola’s largest diamond mine, enhancing operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.
This strategic initiative is aimed at empowering the mine’s local workforce through comprehensive operational readiness training, covering key areas such as metallurgy, engineering fundamentals, mobile machinery operations, and strict safety protocols.
Elevating Local Expertise Through Practical Training
Recognising the importance of local capacity development, the training program prepares Angolan employees to independently manage all aspects of the mine within a few years—aligned with regulations that require mining sites to be left fully operational and locally staffed once international partners exit.
A highlight of the initiative is Prisma’s innovative “train the trainer” model, which identifies local talent and develops them into future in-house trainers, ensuring the sustainability of the knowledge transfer.
“By equipping individuals with the necessary teaching skills and comprehensive knowledge, Prisma ensures the long-term sustainability of knowledge transfer within the mine,” said Carol Brandt, Metallurgy Training Manager at Prisma.
Driving Industry Standards and Workforce Development
The training will include NQF Level 2 (Operator) and Level 3 (First-Line Supervisor) qualifications in mineral processing, ensuring that local workers not only gain critical operational skills but also earn nationally recognised credentials.
Key objectives of the partnership include:
- Upskilling the local workforce to operate the mine safely and efficiently
- Building a self-sustaining local training capacity
- Implementing internationally recognised training and safety standards
- Empowering future local trainers through the “train the trainer” methodology
“We are proud of Prisma’s ability to promote industry best practices by introducing internationally recognised training standards in mining operations,” Brandt added.
Supporting Angola’s Mining Future
The initiative plays a crucial role as the mine targets an ambitious 20 million carats in annual production capacity. With a growing pool of skilled local talent, this collaboration is expected to lay the foundation for long-term operational success and economic empowerment in Angola’s mining sector.
