Kinross Russia is taking its high performance culture to the next level with the creation of a new business training program which encourages employees to find innovative ways to solve challenges and improve operations. Designed around the business concepts of ‘Value Innovation,’ the program approaches problem-solving with four basic questions: how can I reduce, eliminate, improve and create?
“Developing our employees’ critical thinking is our main goal, which eventually, will result in operational improvements. It doesn’t matter how big or small, incremental improvements are the foundation of success,” explains Helisangela Mendonca, Continuous Improvement Manager, Russia.
In addition to exposing employees to business concepts, the two-day program provides participants with an opportunity to work in teams to tackle real, mining-related problems being faced by the Region. Thirty-two participants to-date have been asked to analyse a range of issues – from tipping haul trucks at Dvoinoye to repeated Grizzly bear visits at Kupol.
The training program itself is a product of the process. Rather than pay high-cost consultants to design and run the program, it was developed in-house and tailored to the specific needs of the Region.
“Continuous Improvement enables us to challenge routines so that we can work smarter and better. The Value Innovation initiative will allow us to explore how we can further increase our performance, reduce costs and continue to be efficient in the current gold price environment,” said Claude Schimper, Regional Vice-President, Russia.
Claude Schimper, Regional Vice-President, Russia makes a presentation during the program
Hauling and dumping training
The first training session
Still standing: a group activity
