The No. 9 Shaft Project provides an opportunity for RCM to deliver on its commitment to increase participation and create shared value with local communities. Employing innovative approaches in close collaboration with the Contractors throughout the Project will facilitate; contextually relevant outreach, local hiring and capabilities strengthening, and sourcing from local enterprises.
Specifically in relation to shaft rehabilitation and shaft deepening expertise and labor availability, the industry requires a specialized skill set, particularly at senior and supervisory levels. However there is opportunity as demonstrated through the recent execution of No. 10 shaft, to engage and develop low and semi-skilled positions with a defined skills development program.
The contracting strategy for No. 9 shaft is to leverage specialized shaft rehabilitation and deepening contractors, and build in the commercial requirement to employ, train and develop underground competency and skill sets applicable to execution of No. 9 shaft.
Additionally, encouraging high levels of local spend including materials, goods (i.e. gas), services (meals) and sub-contractors. A co-benefit of this approach will be enabling the Resolution Copper CSP team to identify strengths and gaps in workforce skills and enterprise which will in turn feed into strategic investments that will develop relevant capabilities to increase local content as the RCM Project advances.