Two Liberian geologists, Edith M. Wamah and Trokon T. Zahn are proud and grateful that they are accessing and benefiting from opportunities at ArcelorMittal Liberia to enrich and put into practice, their theoretical education acquired from the University of Liberia during their time of study.
The two graduated in 2018 and 2019 respectively with a Bachelor of Science in Geology ─ a branch of science that deals with the “History of the earth as recorded in rocks.” While leaving the university walls, they wondered how they would practice their career to discover some of what was learned in the classroom, considering the confronting challenges with the job that have caused a lot of young people not to follow their dream paths.
Fortunately, the two enterprising Liberian geologists came across an advertisement posted by AML, inviting applications from qualified Liberians with an academic credential in Geology, which they took advantage of and applied. Through a rigorous vetting process, Edith and Trokon were accepted and began work as Geology Assistants, ascending to Junior Geologists and now full Geologists.
The two Liberian geologists working with the Yuelliton Mines Project concur that had AML not intervened by creating the mining space for them to practice their career after leaving the classroom, their career aspirations would have suffered a serious setback.
“The work is helping me professionally and economically, and I must be grateful to AML for providing me the opportunity to be gainfully employed, especially in my area of profession. Others are like me or even more than me but do not have the opportunity to practice in their dream area. Through God’s help, AML allowed me to practice,” said Trokon.
Trokon is also grateful to his supervisor and mentor who are modeling him to become practically professional. Unlike the classroom setting where they learned all the geological jargon, the fieldwork now is more practical where words accompany actions. At Yuelliton where they are carrying on their activities, Trokon says they are involved with Exploration Drilling, Resource Estimation, and Proving Indicated Reserve—all done with a high sense of Safety, Teamwork, and Passion which serve as core values.
Edith M. Wamah, a young female, dreamed of becoming a geologist and she pursued it right after her high school studies. Being from the mining community and hearing about the operation of LAMCO inspired her motivation for a career in mining and subsequent enrolment at the University of Liberia.
“The classroom is different from the practical aspect. I have learned a lot since I started as a Geology Assistant up to the full Geologist level where I am currently. I am happy that my mentors helping me get more practical knowledge in the field,” Edith expressed.
The young Liberian geologists are under the supervision of Richard Tuopay, Supervisor, and Desmond Edifor, Senior Project Geologist. These leaders are quite impressed with the performances of their mentees having spent time with them in the field.
For Tuopay, one of his approaches is to allow his mentees to repeat what they do not do right until they can learn how right way to perform a task.
Mr. Edifor, on the other hand, will ask each person to explain and exhibit what he or she knows about what is being taught. He believes that giving people the chance to perform builds self-confidence and effectiveness.
According to Edifor, the young geologists have reached the level of full Geologists because of their performances, and he is confident in their potential to do well even outside of ArcelorMittal.
