Mining Magazine September 2017 | Page 8

INSIGHT
BEATRICE OPOKU-ASARE ’ S ADMITS her journey towards her current role in the mining industry was not a typical one .
After gaining a degree in Natural Resource Management she worked for the Environmental Protection Agency in her native Ghana . “ When I eventually joined the industry ( with Golden Star Resources ) my role was in the environmental space , doing analysis of trees and plants . I ’ m more of a plants person than a people person !” jokes Opoku-Asare .
After moving into health and safety she gained hands on experience at pit level as a processing plant safety officer , leading to a role in health and safety training before she ended up in talent management in HR to focus on graduate training programs , helping new employees to assimilate while accelerating their development .
After leaving mining for a year to work in the tech industry , Opoku- Asare returned with a deeper working knowledge of a customer-focused business and knew that focus could help her at Newmont . “ When I came back to mining I wanted the employees and leaders I supported to feel like customers ,” she says .
Newmont ’ s 2016 Beyond the Mine Sustainability Report
At Newmont , she started as a talent management specialist working on recruitment strategy , team sessions and succession planning . “ My role was soon expanded to support all areas of the businessleading talent management and acquisition , our emerging talent
8 September 2017