Socio-Economic Case Studies
Socio-Economic – Indigenous Skills Development and Employment
- Case Study Contributor:
- Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO)
- BHP Billiton Interest:
- 60%
- Location:
- Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory, Australia
- Customer Sector Group:
- Carbon Steel Materials
- Commodity:
- Manganese Ore
- Case Study Status:
- New for 2006
Improving Aboriginal Employment And Development Through Consultative And Performance Management Tools
- The GEMCO Rehabilitation & Mine Services team
In 1997 at GEMCO, we implemented an Aboriginal Employment Strategy aimed at providing local Indigenous people with the skills to pursue careers in mainstream mining, in our Rehabilitation & Mine Services (RMS) section and in the general community.
While numerous objectives had been achieved, a review in February 2005 identified opportunities for improvement. We met with key stakeholders to discuss matters affecting performance in the RMS section and, by analysing business hazards and issues, have been able to identify significant risks, develop management plans and controls, capture critical data and assess performance through management review.
A range of initiatives are being applied to enhance RMS productivity, work satisfaction and safety performance. Through a collaborative management approach, crew members are consulted on all processes and encouraged to identify workplace issues and improvements.
Positive outcomes
The wider community is benefiting as our Aboriginal employment increases and the advantages of ongoing education and training are recognised. From January 2005 to April 2006, the number of RMS employees from the Angurugu community increased from none to 19. More of our Aboriginal employees are also moving into mainstream employment: from July 2005 to April 2006 there were nine transfer or secondment opportunities.
This has been recognised by the Anindilyakwa Land Council, which represents the traditional owners. Its Chairman, Tony Wurramarrba, has noted 'the considerable increase in the number of Groote Eylandt Aboriginal people employed by GEMCO', adding that the Company's 'investment of staff and resources in the Aboriginal Employment Strategy is to be commended'.
Safety performance in the RMS section is now leading practice, with a record of more than two years classified injury free, and sick leave and unplanned leave have reduced significantly.
Our Aboriginal Employment Strategy has not only helped improve our productivity and performance but also, by providing challenging and rewarding career paths, is motivating Aboriginal employees to attend work, achieve outcomes and move into mainstream employment and positions of greater responsibility.
