Addressing the recruitment challenges faced by the Mining Department at our Masbate Gold Project in the Philippines required innovative solutions, particularly in hiring heavy mobile equipment (HME) operators and cadet mining operations engineers. Local operator recruits often lacked HME competency, and mine engineer recruits entered with minimal experience in open-pit mining, yet were expected to supervise HME operators.
To bridge this gap, the Mining Department implemented a “zero knowledge” recruitment approach, hiring locals with no prior experience in HME operation and providing comprehensive training from scratch. Concurrently, HME equipment training became a foundational component of the supervisory training for mine engineer recruits, ensuring a holistic understanding of HME operation.
A dedicated training space was established to facilitate hands-on learning in the operation of dump trucks, articulated dump trucks, and rollers. The training curriculum encompasses introductory sessions covering equipment components, pre-start inspections, and fault identification. Trainees progress from observing trainers during equipment operation to eventually operating the equipment themselves.
In 2023, the program yielded notable results. Three cadet mine engineers, including one female, participated in the training, with two achieving full authorization to operate CAT 777D/777E/777EP trucks independently, demonstrating exceptional progress. Moreover, the recruitment and training of 38 “zero knowledge” locals as HME operators proved highly successful, with 33 operators now fully authorized on CAT 777D/777E/777EP trucks, including five who operate autonomously under minimal supervision.
This initiative underscores B2Gold’s commitment to nurturing a skilled and empowered workforce while addressing local employment challenges. By providing world-class training opportunities, the Masbate Gold Project not only enhances operational efficiency but also fosters sustainable socio-economic development in the Philippines.
