Consolidated Copper Corporation plans to increase its workforce at Tschudi Mine from 62 to 72 permanent employees, pending necessary approvals, as part of its operational expansion.
According to Human Resources Superintendent Yulande Scholtz, the total workforce, including contractors, is expected to reach approximately 135 as the mine ramps up production.
“The company currently has 62 employees. With the additional roles awaiting approval, the workforce is expected to grow to 72 employees. However, once the hiring process is fully underway, the total number of employees could reach approximately 135, including contractors,” Scholtz told Namibia Mining & Energy.
She also noted that the company’s workforce is 100% Namibian.
“The company currently has 62 employees. With the additional roles awaiting approval, the workforce is expected to grow to 72 employees. However, once the hiring process is fully underway, the total number of employees could reach approximately 135, including contractors,” she said.
Scholtz further explained that a training and development policy is in the works, including a study assistance program to support employees’ professional growth.
“These efforts are part of the company’s broader initiative to enhance job security and retain skilled workers, preventing talent loss to competing mining projects,” she added.
The company is also finalizing its policies and procedures to better structure workforce development and maintain long-term sustainability.
Despite the planned workforce expansion, Consolidated Copper is facing challenges in recruiting skilled professionals, particularly in technical fields such as process engineering, electrical, and mechanical engineering.
“Our main challenge is the competition for skilled technical positions. In the past, only a limited number of people pursued the necessary tertiary education for these roles. However, with numerous projects now starting up, there’s increased demand, leading to fierce competition among various mines for these technical positions,” said Process Manager Yolande Stegmann.
To address the shortages, the company has adjusted its hiring strategy, focusing on recruiting junior engineers and placing them in graduate training programs to develop their skills.
Additionally, the company has been promoting internal career growth, with four employees recently advancing from lower roles to mid-level management positions.
Constructed in 2015, the Tschudi plant is Namibia’s only LME-grade refined copper processing facility.
