Employment and Training
BMSC directly employs over 800 Eritrean nationals and does not use contractors to operate the mine or plant facilities. All recruitment conforms to BMSCs Human Resources and Employment Plan, which mandates that all personnel hired must demonstrate that they have been demobilized from the Eritrean national service. Provision of acceptable physical documentation is a prerequisite for employment.
BMSC uses some foreign and Eritrean contractors for capital projects at site. All contractor personnel employed must similarly demonstrate, with acceptable physical documentation, that they have been demobilised form the Eritrean national service. Each of the contractor's personnel is required to undergo an extensive project safety and environmental induction program. No contractor personnel are allowed to work at the site without passing through and graduating from the program and verification of employment under the requirements of the HR Plan. Periodic re-inductions are performed at site to enhance safety and environmental performance and reconfirm that all personnel on site meet the standards that have been established. Furthermore, contractors are audited periodically for compliance by BMSC.
BMSC's employment furthers local and regional businesses, while BMSC remains committed to sourcing goods and services from national and local suppliers. The increased purchasing power of employees is expected to stimulate other locales as the country's money supply increases. The multiplier effect from mine development and operations will be significant.
BMSC and its contractors have established a priority in hiring Eritrean nationals. Direct jobs are clearly advertised and preference is given to local employment. Where sufficient skills do not exist, BMSC provides vocational training at the worksite and in the adjacent community - Mogoraib. Despite the emphasis on local employment, some expatriate specialists are still required to perform a number of specific skills which are currently unavailable in country. These specialists will train local personnel with the intention to eventually replace the expatriates and independently sustain operations. Resources and facilities will also be made available to assist qualified women who wish to work on the Bisha Project; the balance of gender employment is important throughout management's plans.
BMSC has established its wage levels (and that of main contractors) with consideration for the regional and national labour market.
