Current PDI Activity, page-638

Good observation Merlin - the Guinea mining industry is obviously a major contributor to the country's economy and employs a large number of people. From my readings, similar to many other developing nations, the industry has faced criticism for not always providing local employment opportunities - companies have imported workers from other countries, rather than hiring & capacity building local workers. This risks a developing sense of disconnect between the mining companies & local population. The new coup generated government would be highly motivated to keep this risk in check by ensuring that foreign mining companies prioritize local employment & work with communities to ensure economic benefits of mining are shared - which logically would keep the population happy, on that front.

No doubt PDI, with its astute management team & years of African experience to draw on, will be on the front foot with this aspect of mine development. Where there is a lack of local capacity, presumably a degree of latitude would exist to allow expatriate recruitment with a view to developing lcoal counterpart skills etc.