GGML, Chamber of Mines to train underground mining experts
GEITA: TANZANIA Chamber of Mines (TCM) is working with Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) and other stakeholders to develop a curriculum to train the country’s underground mining workforce.
This initiative follows GGML’s collaboration with other large mining companies 15 years ago to create a curriculum that produced over 1,400 young Tanzanians specialising in surface mining operations (Open Pit Mining).
During the launch of the 2024/2025 Internship Programme, 40 new cohorts of graduates and postgraduates began year-long internship training at Geita Gold Mine in Geita region.
The Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines, Eng Benjamin Mchwampaka, stated that GGML and other mining stakeholders were preparing the curricula. He added: “The curriculum will be utilised to create books for the Vocational College (VETA – Moshi). These books will aid in educating young Tanzanians and producing experts in underground mining.” Elaborating, he noted that currently there is a shortage of experts in the Tanzanian mineral market with extensive knowledge of operating deep underground mining equipment.
Equally, Eng Mchwampaka shared how the shortage of experts to operate surface mines on land was bridged, saying that when large-scale mining activities started in the country, there was no special training for mining experts.
The government had to hire individuals from Ghana, Mali, and South Africa to perform tasks that could have been done by young Tanzanians.
“So, in 2009, GGML, through the Chamber of Mines and other companies, came together, donated around 2 million US dollars to devise a curriculum, and we entered into an agreement with VETA – Moshi College to set up a special three-year programme for young people to acquire advanced mining skills in the country,” he said.
Additionally, he congratulated GGML for their excellent work. This project is one of Tanzania’s proudest achievements, and it is a testament to the expertise of its professionals. Regarding the Internship Programme, Charles Masubi, Senior Manager of Human Resources at GGML, stated that the programme aims to prepare young people to specialise in areas beyond their academic studies, enhancing their employability.
He stated that AngloGold Ashanti (parent company of GGML) had initiated an Africa Business Unit Graduate (ABU) programme to attract more experts in the mining sector. The ABU programme offers graduates the opportunity to gain knowledge from various countries where AGA operates mines.
