AET prepares mine workers for the inevitable
Triple E Training’s quality adult education and training (AET) remains a mainstay of many mines’ skills development programmes. These upskilling initiatives are a large component of the Human Resources Development Programme of any robust Social Labour Plan (SLP). Such a plan is the basis upon which the Department of Mineral Resources awards mining rights to mining companies. An SLP serves many important purposes. Among others, this includes ensuring that mine workers are sufficiently prepared to find employment in other industries when mines downscale; reach the end of their lives; or can no longer be operated feasibly at all. This is a way that the DMR tries to mitigate the tremendous potential impact of closures on host communities in an extremely price volatile and cyclical industry. Retrenchment is one of the biggest risks of closure as unemployment leads to poverty and many social ills associated with it, such as crime, as well as substance and alcohol abuse. In many instances, families may even lose their housing that was made available to them by mining companies.
As part of its SLP, a Rustenburg-based chrome miner has prioritised AET for its employees. This is the first time that the company is offering formal training to its employees. Therefore, it decided to engage a known expert in adult literacy and numeracy training with an impressive track record upskilling mine workers. In this way, it has ensured that it provides the best workplace AET, thus, guaranteeing meaningful participation by employees in the programme so that they can learn essential basic education skills within a reasonable period. Mine management is currently treating the upskilling of its staff as a top priority considering that our assessment revealed glaring literacy and numeracy skills gaps in the company’s operational teams. Employees are, therefore, extremely vulnerable to unforeseen shocks. Bear in mind that most industries, including mining, are increasingly relying on skilled employees.
Underestimating the impact of closure
Worryingly, the mining industry still underestimates the potential impact of downscaling and outright closures on host communities. Too many communities that rely heavily on mines for their livelihood are, therefore, unprepared for these scenarios. This is despite local mining being in a state of decline for many years now. As a country, we undertake limited exploration for new mining opportunities and invest very little in new mines. This is on the back of declining investment in expanding and maintaining existing mines.
According to research undertaken by Dr Megan Cole of the University of Cape Town, just under 50 of South Africa’s 230 operating mines could close withing the next decade. Most of these operations are coal mines located in Mpumalanga where coal reserves are being depleted and pressure to mitigate climate change is limiting investment in the industry. Gold mines in the Free State and Gauteng, which already operate at very deep levels in challenging conditions, are also at risk. This is unless ways of mining at ultra-deep levels in a feasible and, importantly, safe manner can be found.
More than a quarter of South African municipalities host operating mines and 6-million people live in mining host communities. The potential impact of operational closures on communities and local economies are, therefore, apparent. Cole’s findings reveal that social risks are highest in the most vulnerable communities, especially those in rural villages in Limpopo and North West.
While South Africa has robust policies in place to manage the impact of mining on communities and the environment, the capacity to enforce them is limited. The authorities do not have the resources to ensure that the obligations outlined in SLPs are being met. Research undertaken by Lawyers for Human Rights and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung foundation highlights the continuation of improper mine closures and abandonment by companies. This is due to regulatory failure and corporate impunity, which includes paying lip service to skills development. The research is based on extensive engagements with members of mining-effected communities.
A smooth start
Employees started our AET programme in September 2024 and they are looking forward to resuming their studies this year following a well-deserved break over the festive season.
As can be expected, another Triple E Training assignment is running smoothly. We ensured that all employees were placed at a suitable AET level after assessing their existing literacy and numeracy skills. Due to a lack of previous educational attainment, most employees have started the programme at either AET Levels 1 or 2. By transitioning seamlessly into our AET, they are coping with the course content. This will ensure that they remain motivated to complete the programme and attain a General Education and Training Certificate.
The training is being facilitated at the mine around a tight four-shift production schedule. This has made it easier for the mine to provide AET without impacting production and for employees to attend classes. They do not have to commute to classrooms after their shifts which also saves the mine in transport costs. Importantly, by facilitating AET on site, we also ensure that employees make a strong connection between the skills that they are learning and their current jobs.
Learn more about Triple E Training, a leading provider of adult literacy and numeracy training to industry. www.eee.co.za
