Through training and development OZ Minerals aims to get the best out of all its people. This is of particular importance when employing low or unskilled people from our local communities. Through training and development the company, and also the community receives the benefit of the person’s employment. The company is committed to professional development at all levels of the business, and supports employees’ decisions to undertake further education and training in providing study leave and other support as available.

Technical training

OZ Minerals is a Recognised Training Organisation (RTO) which means that OZ Minerals can train and accredit employees in the following qualifications:

• Certificates III and IV in Business (Frontline Management)
• Certificate III and IV in Frontline Management
• Diploma of Business (Frontline Management)
• Diploma of Management
• Certificate II and III in Metalliferous Mining Operations - Underground
• Certificate II and III in Metalliferous Mining Operations - Processing
• Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response and Rescue (Western Australia)

The RTO is administered and audited at a Company level ensuring consistency in approach across the business, with the Sepon, Golden Grove and Prominent Hill operations (the former Oxiana operations) participating in 2008. While training is provided at an operational level, all certificates are issued with authorisation from the RTO.

In 2008 25 employees from Sepon, 212 from Golden Grove and 13 from Prominent Hill participated in the training programs.

Former Zinifex operations including Rosebery and Century offered employees training through the Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management) that is recognised throughout Australia. The 12 month program includes seven modules, completed as two-day workshops, plus individual follow-up projects.

In 2008 two employees from Group Office, five employees from Century, and five employees from Rosebery completed this training

Tasmanian TAFE was under contract to provide program standards and participation auditing for all Zinifex training across Australia however this will now be moved internally given the company’s RTO status as described above.

An online training program called On-Tap was first developed and implemented at our Sepon operation called On-Tap was implemented in 2008 at our Prominent Hill operation to assist train process plant operators as the operation moved toward commissioning.

On-Tap provides introductory training followed by in-depth learning modules and assessment tools suitable for training employees at a range of developmental levels. On-Tap meets all RTO and assessment requirements, OZ Minerals safety requirements and is flexible enough to meet the training needs of the company.

Using On-Tap, Prominent Hill developed an introductory on-line training program using animations, cartoons, photos, video and snap assessments providing an overview for new trainees while delivering contextual training to more experienced operators. Training on the processing plant was then divided into six areas, with each area then divided into six Learning Blocks. Workbooks link the Standard Operating Procedures and hands-on activities to each trainee and related assessment tools were then developed for each workbook.

Trainees of all developmental levels at Prominent Hill overwhelmingly supported the On-Tap program with 89 per cent of trainees reaching online competency within a month of access. The Learning Blocks and Workbooks have also been well received and feedback indicates they will continue to be the prime tools for hands-on training.

In 2008 over 80 per cent of processing employees at Prominent Hill utilised the On-Tap software. Given its success, the company will review implementing the program at other operations in the future.

Below are sample screens from the On-Tap training program.

OZ Minerals also runs a number of successful education and pre-employment training programs that provide employment and business opportunities for Indigenous and other local communities near our operations. For more information see Education and Pre-Employment Training and Local Business Development.

Cultural awareness training

Cultural awareness training is an important part of our operating in different locations and cultures. An overview of each operation’s local cultural context is incorporated into inductions for all employees, contractors and visitors. Our operations also offer cultural awareness training to employees and contractors. Programs vary between locations, but each provided information on the history and culture of the local communities and countries in which we operate. At our Australian operations, such as Golden Grove and Prominent Hill, these training programs are often conducted in conjunction with local Indigenous groups.

Leadership development

Leadership development is a crucial part of succession planning for any organisation. Prior to the merger, Oxiana ran leadership development workshops and Zinifex ran a program offering professionals and frontline leaders, who had been identified as having the potential to progress through leadership roles at operations or elsewhere in the business.

Graduate development

While the current economic climate has forced OZ Minerals to halt the intake of new graduates in 2009, in 2008 the company employed seven graduates in a variety of disciplines including engineering, geology and metallurgy in graduate development programs at Australian operations.