Owing to its partnership with Perth-based recruitment company JSM Appointments, recruitment, human resource and labour relations management company Mecs Africa is able to increase the effectiveness of mining companies operating in Africa.

JSM Appointments specialises in recruiting skilled professional engineering and associated project personnel for the mining, power and energy industries in Western Australia.

The partnership, signed in 2012, focuses on providing contract labour and permanent personnel for Australian companies operating across Africa. It also helps Mecs Africa deal with the demands of labour management in mining, engineering and construction projects currently under way in Africa on behalf of companies with head offices in Western Australia, thereby overcoming geographical and time zone constraints, says Mecs Africa operations director Linda Geelhuizen.

“Mecs Africa provides highly skilled engineering contractors for various projects and, in conjunction with our sister company Nosa, a subsidiary of JSE-listed MICROmega Holdings, we have implemented a coaching and mentorship programme to ensure that health and safety standards are improved,” Geelhuizen says.

The programme is dependent on the level of health and safety management expertise, and Nosa will tailor the programme specific to the level of experience on the mine. The duration of the programme can vary from 1 to 12 months, and it is site-based.

Mecs Africa has worked on various mining projects across Africa, including iron-ore, gold, copper and mineral sands projects. It manages projects on behalf of the asset owners of the mines, as well as the engineering, procurement and construction management clients.

African Investment
Investment from Australian companies in Africa-based mining operations can stimulate significant growth on the continent, in terms of personal experience and expertise, according to JSM Appointments MD John Masters.

He highlights food security, agriculture, water and sanitation, maternal and healthcare, mining governance and capacity building as some of the key areas where Australian expertise could add value.

“To date, Australian companies have invested in Africa through scholarships at African institutions and development assistance, which has also increased significantly,” says Masters, adding that, according to the Australian Agency for International Development’s yearly report, in 2010 and 2011, Australia provided $180.6-million in humanitarian assistance through the African Union (AU) to Africa.

In Africa’s Favour
Over the next decade, Africa’s gross domestic product is expected to increase by an average of 6% a year, according to the World Bank, which forecasts foreign direct investment of $32.5- billion in sub-Saharan Africa in the same period.

“Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is growing faster than any other region in the world and it has the youngest population,” adds Geelhuizen.

“With this in mind, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has established diplomatic relations with all African countries and Australia has established ties with regional African organisations, including the AU, the Economic Community of West African States, the Southern African Development Community, the East African Community, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the International Conference for the Great Lakes Region, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa,” notes Masters.

Geelhuizen adds that more than 200 Australian mining companies are currently active in Africa, with more than 700 projects under way, reflecting the commitment of investment in Africa.

Skilled Staff
Geelhuizen tells Mining Weekly that Mecs Africa specialises in recruiting contractors who have scarce skills and that it can assist Australian mining companies in reducing uncertainty and risk associated with planning projects in Africa.

“Mecs Africa manages the implementation of projects, mobilisation and demobilisation pertaining to diverse projects, varying site conditions and company cultures across all African regions.”

She highlights the current high demand for health, safety and environment managers, and the skills shortage across all levels of safety management in Africa. “There is a noticeable gap between management and employees. The managers have the theoretical knowledge, but lack the practical applications of the health and safety processes.”

Geelhuizen says Mecs Africa meets this demand, providing a full recruitment solution for Africa’s mining, construction, engineering, agriculture, offshore oil and gas, petrochemicals and power generation industries.

“We have a comprehensive database of more than 47 000 highly skilled local and foreign national candidates. Our niche specialist recruitment division sources candidates who are screened and selected for their qualifications and high level of skills, and who are geared to meet clients’ direct needs and mitigate skills shortages,” she says.

Geelhuizen adds that Mecs Africa not only provides extensive industry experience and knowledge of specific sectors but also specialises in proactive database building for these sectors, recruiting personnel for recognised sector shortfalls and demands.

“Our employee-centric culture and the growth of our business is further defined by our endeavour to generate the best employment opportunities the market has to offer. Our guarantee of a growing pipeline of employment opportunities is invaluable in an extremely competitive labour market,” she concludes.