By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Digaare (U/E), May 02, GNA – Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML), in partnership with Golden Dynasty Company Limited (GDCL), has launched a youth capacity-building programme aimed at equipping young people in its catchment communities with technical skills for employment in the mining sector.
The initiative, which has inducted 30 young people to begin a two-year training programme, seeks to address youth unemployment while building a skilled local workforce to support mining operations.
The trainees were selected from the immediate communities, including Biung, Digaare, Datuko, Sheaga, Buugu and Tolla, among others.
CNML is a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Limited, a Chinese mining firm, which is currently undertaking open-cast (surface) ecologically friendly gold mining activities in Talensi.
Mr Qi Xuanya, the Vice President in charge of Community and Social Responsibility (CSR) and Security at CNML, said the programme formed part of the company’s commitment to sustainable community development, aimed at empowering youth and reducing unemployment.
He explained that the selected trainees would undergo a two-year hands-on training in Plant Operations and Maintenance under GDCL, which is responsible for plant operations and maintenance on the CNML project.
“At CNML, we understand that investing in young people is vital for sustainable development. This programme is designed to equip the youth with practical skills and prepare them for meaningful employment in the mining industry,” he said.
Mr Xuanya noted that the selection process was competitive and merit-based, involving community nominations, aptitude testing, and medical screening to ensure fairness and readiness of participants.
He added that beneficiaries who successfully complete the programme would have the opportunity to register with the Minerals Commission and obtain certification as professional mine workers.
Ms Jemima Ofori, the Human Resource Officer in charge of Recruitment at GDCL, described the initiative as a significant step towards tackling unemployment in the Talensi District.
She said the programme was developed through extensive community engagement and collaboration with traditional authorities to ensure transparency and inclusiveness.
“Today, we are proud to announce that 30 selected candidates have been successfully inducted and are ready to begin their training journey this week,” she said.
Ms Ofori emphasised that the programme targeted youth who might not have had access to tertiary education, offering them employable skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the local economy.
Mr Liu Jiakai, the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Resource at the GDCL, said the initiative was also driven by the need to bridge the skills gap in the mining industry, particularly in technical areas such as metallurgy and plant operations.
“We realised it is difficult to find skilled local people for mining operations, so this programme will help train community members to take up such roles and contribute to both the company and community development,” he said.
Mr Maxwell Wooma, the Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent at CNML, said the programme would help build a pool of competent local labour to meet the operational needs of the mine.
He urged the trainees to take the opportunity seriously, warning that indiscipline and a sense of entitlement could undermine their chances and the sustainability of the programme.
“This training is not just about employment; it is about building a future for yourselves and your communities. Your performance will determine whether more young people benefit from subsequent cohorts,” he said.
Mr Wooma reiterated the company’s commitment to a “win-win” relationship with host communities through employment, skills training, and local participation in mining activities.
Mr Gideon Kwame Azornu, the Senior Coordinator in charge of Training and Development at CNML, reiterated the importance of community participation in mining, stressing that projects that exclude local people only amount to resource extraction without long-term benefits.
He encouraged the trainees to take ownership of the opportunity, reminding them that their participation signified a new beginning for local involvement in the industry.
Mr Azornu further urged the beneficiaries to remain focused and committed, explaining that their performance would serve as a benchmark for future cohorts.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]