The flagship Blasting Assistant Trainee Programme of blasting solutions specialist BME is positively transforming lives in South Africa’s mining communities by empowering individuals with practical, high-demand skills, reports human resources GM Kasturi Adari.

By embedding such skills, she says BME not only uplifts entire families and breaks generational barriers, but also strengthens the future of the mining industry and the company’s own talent pool.

The corporate social investment programme, which is rooted in holding company diversified chemicals company Omnia Holdings’ ethos of creating shared value for communities, focuses on extending access to hands-on training, industry-recognised certification and real-world experience in safe blasting operations.

A strong example of the initiative in action is currently underway at mining services company Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire in Brakfontein, near Delmas.

“As a valued BME client benefiting from the company’s advanced blasting technologies, Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire actively supports local youth opportunities . . . The partnership exemplifies collaborative excellence, allowing BME to leverage client relationships to maximise community benefits,” she explains.

The three-month intensive programme focuses on young people from the Victor Khanye local municipality jurisdiction, says Adari, adding that the first cohort of eight trainees was carefully selected by BME from the Delmas area.

Suitable applicants include out-of-school youth who often lack the resources to pursue further education, yet who demonstrate a strong dedication and a sense of responsibility, many as potential family breadwinners, she elaborates.

“We intend to sustain and develop these efforts . . . Through programmes like this, BME demonstrates that true industry leadership extends far beyond explosives,” says Adari.

Skills that Open Doors in Mining

The extensive mine induction at Plantcor Mining and Plant Hire ensures compliance with the Mine Health and Safety Act, says Adari, adding that this prepares trainees for a real working environment.

At conclusion of the programme, trainees gain key competencies as blasting assistants and attain Competency A certification.

Notably, since launching similar initiatives, 80% of trainees have been absorbed into permanent roles across various sites, not limited to BME alone.

Since launching this initiative in Carolina, in Mpumalanga, in 2018, BME has expanded its reach to include dual cohorts in Dryden, in Mpumalanga, and Mokgalakwena, in Limpopo, in 2019; followed by successful rollouts in Gamsberg and Kathu – both in the Northern Cape, in 2024, she says.

“To date, the programme has equipped approximately 50 out-of-school youth with essential industry skills,” she says, adding that BME remains committed to long-term career development, offering permanent employment to trainees as entry-level positions arise.

On-site mentorship is provided by BME foreperson Piet Gumede and is central to the programme’s success.