ENTRIES are open for the Community Partnership of the Year category in the 5th Annual Australian Mining Prospect Awards.
This category, introduced last year, recognises mine operators who have implemented a unique or innovative program that has positively influenced people in host communities.
Last year Alcan was a finalist in the category for their commitment to cross-cultural awareness.
A unique cross cultural awareness program, delivered through a partnership between Alcan and the not-for-profit indigenous organisation the Yothu Yindi Foundation, became a model for sharing knowledge and culture and practical corporate social responsibility policies.
Other finalists included: Alcoa, Ensham and McArthur River Mining.
2007 Winner
An Oxiana community partnership initiative won the Prospect Awards Community Partnership of the Year Award.
Oxiana partnered with the Bungala Aboriginal Corporation, Northern Regional Development Board, Federal Department of Workplace Relations, and TAFE South Australia to launch a program that helps local people get jobs at the Oxiana Prominent Hill mine.
The Pre-Employment Training program, launched in September 2006, allows local Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with little or no employment experience an opportunity to gain skills for a job in the mining industry.
The program also secures employees for Oxiana in a climate of skills and labour shortages.
The partnership means that the company can employ as many local people as possible at its operation, reducing the cost of transporting workers to the site.
After the satisfactory completion of the 60-day Pre-Employment Training program, including three weeks of work experience, successful trainees are offered permanent employment at Oxiana’s Prominent Hill operation.
Participants also receive a nationally accredited certificate two in metalliferous mining. Preference is given to people living in local towns and regional communities in the Prominent Hill region.
The program is run at Coober Pedy TAFE, and is coordinated by a trainer with extensive experience in conducting similar programs.
Gail Reynolds-Adamson from Kepa Kurl coordinated the program in 2007.
The training program includes practical training needed to work in a mine, and assistance in making the transition from long term unemployment to full-time employment.
Successful trainees have gained jobs at Prominent Hill as loader and fork lift operators, crane chasers, grade control officers, core processing assistants, and driller’s offsiders.
For information on entering this category, email jessica.darnbrough@reedbusiness.com.au or call Jessica on 02 9422 2909.
Entries close Friday 27 June.