KCC Welcomes Its First Graduate Programme Cohort, Investing in the Next Generation of Congolese Talent

Kamoto Copper Company (KCC), part of Glencore, has officially welcomed the first cohort of its 2026 Graduate Programme, marking an important milestone in the company's commitment to developing the next generation of Congolese mining professionals.

Following a highly competitive national recruitment process that attracted more than 13,000 applications from across the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congolese students abroad, 25 graduates were selected to join the programme.

Designed to identify, develop and retain local talent, the Graduate Programme offers recent graduates structured learning opportunities through technical and leadership training, departmental rotations, mentoring by experienced professionals and hands-on operational exposure.

"Our objective is to identify talented young Congolese graduates early and provide them with the skills, experience and support required to build successful careers in our industry," said Yves Mayilamene, Regional HR Lead Copper Africa."

Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Managing Director Riaan Vermeulen highlighted the difference between being qualified and being competent.

"If someone wants to learn how to ride a bicycle, they can watch videos on YouTube and understand the theory. But they only become competent when they get on the bicycle, fall, learn, practice and eventually ride confidently. The same applies in our industry."

He added that the Graduate Programme will allow participants to move beyond academic knowledge and experience the day-to-day realities of a modern mining operation.

"Through this programme, graduates will be immersed in our operations, our safety culture, our people and our way of working. This practical exposure is what transforms qualifications into competence."

The programme targeted graduates in strategic disciplines including mining, geology, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemistry, environment, finance and human resources. The selection process followed international assessment standards to ensure fairness, transparency and merit-based recruitment.

Beyond technical competencies, participants will also be immersed in KCC's values, safety culture and Glencore DNA, preparing them to contribute to the future of the business and the mining sector.

By investing in young Congolese talent, KCC continues to support local capacity building and contribute to the long-term development of the country's mining industry.

For the 25 graduates beginning their journey, the programme represents not only a first professional opportunity, but also the start of a promising career dedicated to shaping the future of mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo.