As part of its commitment to developing skilled talent, Zijin Rosebel Gold Mine (RGM) successfully organized its first Mining Equipment Operator Skills Competition since the establishment of the mine 22 years ago. The competition took place on January 31, 2026 and aimed to motivate employees to improve their technical skills, strengthen teamwork, and support talent development through practical competition.
The initiative aligns with Zijin Mining’s long standing tradition of technical competitions and was adapted to reflect the characteristics of the local workforce in Suriname. The objective was to promote training through competition, enhance proficiency through practice, and identify outstanding skilled employees.
Four teams participated in the competition: Rosebel Mining Equipment Operator Teams A, B, and C, together with a contractor representative team from Zijin Construction. Each team consisted of three operators, responsible for operating a loader, haul truck, and excavator. Team members worked closely together to complete assigned tasks. The competition followed a head to head knockout format, with winning teams advancing to the next round.
Throughout the event, participants demonstrated a high level of technical skill and coordination. Loader operators accurately maneuvered footballs into designated water basins and completed material leveling tasks. Excavator operators carried out precise excavation and efficiently loaded ore into haul trucks, while haul truck operators navigated both empty and fully loaded vehicles along prescribed routes with efficiency and control.
The competition was intense yet well organized, accompanied by continuous cheering, applause, and music.
A highlight of the event was the participation of a female haul truck operator, who delivered an outstanding performance in a traditionally male dominated role. Family members of employees were present to support the participants, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere and allowing families to share in the pride of the competition.
After two rounds of competition, the Zijin Construction team claimed first place, while Rosebel Team A secured second place. In addition, Rosebel employees Tooy Lesley, Saakie Imro, and Tjon Sin Tjoi Maikel received Best Operator awards for loader, haul truck, and excavator operations respectively.
This skills competition was widely recognized by employees as a successful integration of Zijin’s best practices with local characteristics. It also marked the starting point for a broader rollout of skills based competitions at Rosebel Gold Mine. In the future, RGM plans to organize additional competitions for welders, electricians, forklift operators, and other skilled positions, further strengthening workforce development and supporting the long term vision for a mining skills training center in Suriname.
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