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- Feb 11, 2007
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Rare indigenous mining skills on emigration frenzy
2008-11-07 10:28:09
By Mgeta Mganga
Corporate mining sector in Tanzania is relentlessly facing shortage of skilled indigenous workmen as the few ones available are evidently moving out in search of greener pastures in other parts of the world.
Industry sources have indicated that in recent past about 38 Tanzanians with core mining skills have emigrated abroad.
Rare mining skills which are in great demand include geotechnical, mining, void engineers, plant-processing and information and communication technology (ICT) engineers, as well as specialised geologists .
The most sought after greener pastures are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia and Guinea.
A senior official at Geita Gold Mine said last year the mine experienced mass departure of local technical and professional staff going to other local mines and foreign based mines.
Analysts say the exodus of such rare skills tells a lot about the way corporate mining industry in Tanzania is treating local skilled staff.
For instance, there are often cases of wage discrimination between foreign and local staff working on the same line of production.
``Corporate mines need to broaden their understanding of the sector beyond taxes and community support projects, and look for effective means that would ensure more benefits trickle down to the level of technical staff, one anonymous`` source said.
A mining expert, Harrison Madembwe said this week that at the moment mining sector in Tanzania is almost competing globally for acquisition of specialised skills as even the few technicians available are finding greener pastures across the world.
Some of the best local geologists and geotechnical staff have crossed to such far off big mines in Australia such as Rio Tinto Group of Mining Companies, he said.
In an attempt to minimise temptations to emigrate, mining giants such as GGM has seconded some of its skilled staff to other AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) operations across the globe where they work as experts as well.
SOURCE: Guardian
2008-11-07 10:28:09
By Mgeta Mganga
Corporate mining sector in Tanzania is relentlessly facing shortage of skilled indigenous workmen as the few ones available are evidently moving out in search of greener pastures in other parts of the world.
Industry sources have indicated that in recent past about 38 Tanzanians with core mining skills have emigrated abroad.
Rare mining skills which are in great demand include geotechnical, mining, void engineers, plant-processing and information and communication technology (ICT) engineers, as well as specialised geologists .
The most sought after greener pastures are the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia and Guinea.
A senior official at Geita Gold Mine said last year the mine experienced mass departure of local technical and professional staff going to other local mines and foreign based mines.
Analysts say the exodus of such rare skills tells a lot about the way corporate mining industry in Tanzania is treating local skilled staff.
For instance, there are often cases of wage discrimination between foreign and local staff working on the same line of production.
``Corporate mines need to broaden their understanding of the sector beyond taxes and community support projects, and look for effective means that would ensure more benefits trickle down to the level of technical staff, one anonymous`` source said.
A mining expert, Harrison Madembwe said this week that at the moment mining sector in Tanzania is almost competing globally for acquisition of specialised skills as even the few technicians available are finding greener pastures across the world.
Some of the best local geologists and geotechnical staff have crossed to such far off big mines in Australia such as Rio Tinto Group of Mining Companies, he said.
In an attempt to minimise temptations to emigrate, mining giants such as GGM has seconded some of its skilled staff to other AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) operations across the globe where they work as experts as well.
SOURCE: Guardian
