Barrick Niugini to train locals

 BARRICK Niugini Ltd, the operator of the Porgera mine in Enga, plans to train up to 100 locals under its local job ready programme this year. 

The company said five females were among the first 20 trainees undergoing a five-week “basic skills” training at the Porgera mine.

“This is the final selection activity and only those candidates who successfully complete the training would progress to further training and possible employment,” the company said. It said the training was conducted by external trainers from the Port Moresby-based Pacific Employment Institute. Mining manager Paul Carrick welcomed the first lot of trainees and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity and to earn it through hard work. Community and Social Responsibility manager Timothy Andambo, a local who is a mine engineer, said there were a lot of changes happening. 

He said the best the company could do was to invest in the local community by providing life-skills.

The company said 12 of the first group of trainees were from the Special Mining Lease area, four from the Lease for Mining Purposes area and four from Porgera regional.