H a r n es s i ng t h e Powe r t o Tra n sfo r m
H a r n ess i ng t h e Powe r to Tra n sfo r m Mining Contracting and Infrastructure combines innovation, performance, and sustainability to transform mining, industrial, and infrastructure projects into success. Ghassen Knani, CEO, tells us how the company is striving for enhanced global standards, local execution, and long-term partnerships Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Josh Whiteside
MINING CONTRACTING AND INFRASTRUCTURE MINING
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hen managed responsibly, mining has the power to advance economies, develop infrastructure, create skilled employment, and generate opportunities that extend far beyond the life of a mine. Within this context, Africa has reached a turning point. The continent is no longer simply a destination for mining investment; it is becoming a source of expertise, innovation, and industrial capability.
African companies are increasingly demonstrating that they can deliver projects to the highest international standards whilst creating lasting value for their countries. As such, a combination of exceptional mineral resources, rising investment, and a growing commitment from governments to develop local industries is creating tremendous opportunities for companies that are prepared to invest in the region.
As one of the most dynamic and promising mining geographies in the world today, beyond its unique geology, what makes West Africa exciting is its ongoing transformation. Mining companies are no longer only looking for contractors capable of moving material – they are looking for long-term partners who can improve productivity, manage risk, develop local capabilities, and contribute to sustainable development.
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“One of the strongest trends we are seeing is the increasing focus on local content. Governments and mining companies expect contractors to create lasting value through local employment, skills development, and stronger local supply chains,” opens Ghassen Knani, CEO of Mining Contracting and Infrastructure (MCI). “We fully support this evolution because it aligns with our own vision of building sustainable businesses within the countries where we operate,” he introduces. Elsewhere, another important trend sweeping the industry is digital transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, predictive maintenance, and fleet management technologies are changing the way mines operate and how contractors deliver value. Companies that embrace innovation whilst maintaining operational discipline will have a clear competitive advantage. “I believe West Africa will continue to attract major mining investment for many years to come. “Success, however, will increasingly depend on companies that combine
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international standards with genuine local commitment and the ability to build trusted long-term partnerships,” Knani lays out.
MORE THAN A CONTRACTOR MCI is more than a mining contractor – it is an integrated mining and infrastructure partner dedicated to delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable solutions across Africa. Since its establishment, the company has been driven by a clear ambition – to combine international standards with the agility, responsiveness, and entrepreneurial mindset required to operate successfully in some of Africa’s most demanding mining environments. Today, MCI has established operations and local entities across several West African countries. Building on this strong regional presence, the company is pursuing its ambition to become the trusted mining services partner of choice across Africa, supporting its international clients and partners as they expand their operations throughout the continent. “Our capabilities span the entire
mining project lifecycle, including contract mining, mine development, overburden removal, ore mining, haulage, civil works, tailings storage facility construction, mining infrastructure, and project support services,” Knani enthuses. “At present, our clients include international mining companies, project developers, and engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contractors involved in some of the region’s most significant mining projects. “We have earned their trust by consistently delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to the specific challenges of each operation,” he tells us.
NAVIGATING THE INDUSTRY Mining is a demanding industry where there is very little room for error. In such an environment, clients are not simply looking for contractors – they are looking for trusted partners who can help them to deliver safer, more efficient, and more profitable operations. That is the philosophy on which MCI has been built.
MINING CONTRACTING AND INFRASTRUCTURE MINING
WHAT IS THE LEGACY YOU ARE STRIVING FOR? Ghassen Knani, CEO: “When I think about legacy, I don’t immediately think about projects, contracts, or the number of countries where MCI operates. Those are important milestones, but they are not what will define us in the long term. “What I hope to leave behind is an organisation that has helped raise the standard of mining services in the continent and demonstrated that an African company can compete with the best in the world whilst remaining deeply committed to local development. “I would like MCI to be recognised not only for the projects we have delivered, but also for the people we have developed. If, in 10 or 20 years, today’s young engineers, supervisors, operators, and managers become the next generation of leaders across Africa’s mining industry, I will consider that one of our greatest achievements. “I also hope we leave behind stronger local businesses, more skilled workforces, and long-term partnerships built on trust and mutual respect. Mining projects eventually come to an end, but the knowledge, capabilities, and opportunities created for local communities should remain. “Ultimately, my ambition is to build a company that will continue creating value long after its founders are gone.”
“We do not measure our success by the number of tonnes moved or the size of our fleet; we measure it by the value we create for our clients. “That means challenging assumptions when necessary, proposing alternative solutions, optimising mine plans, improving productivity, and helping our clients reduce both operational risks and overall project costs,” Knani explains. The company’s multidisciplinary background is another key differentiator, with its experience extending beyond mining into engineering, infrastructure, project development, and business strategy, approaching every project with a broader perspective. “We do not look at mining in isolation – we consider the entire value chain and how every decision impacts safety, productivity, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainability.”
“ T H E F U T U R E O F M I N I N G I N A F R I C A W I L L N OT O N LY B E M E A S U R E D B Y T H E R E S O U R C E S W E E X T R A C T, B U T B Y T H E V A L U E W E L E AV E B E H I N D ” – G H AS S E N K N A N I , C EO, M I N I N G C O N T RAC T I N G A N D I N F RA S T R U C T U R E
MCI establishes long-term local operations, recruits local talent, and develops local supply chains. This enables the company to respond faster, optimise mobilisation, strengthen national content, and build stronger relationships with clients, communities, and stakeholders. “In addition, we have deliberately maintained an entrepreneurial culture. Our organisation remains agile, decisions are made quickly, and our teams are empowered to solve problems directly in the field – in our industry, responsiveness is often as valuable as technical capability,” he expands.
DIVERSE SOLUTIONS What best represents MCI is the diversity of operations it supports across West Africa. Each project has its own technical challenges, operating environment, and objectives, but they all reflect the same commitment to safety, operational excellence, and long-term partnership. “One of our flagship operations is the Boto Gold Project in Senegal, which combines mining operations with large-scale earthworks and the construction of critical mining infrastructure, including the tailings storage facility,” Knani prides. Africa Outlook Issue 121 | 5
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“It further demonstrates our ability to deliver integrated solutions whilst managing complex interfaces between mining activities, civil engineering, and infrastructure development.” Another important milestone for MCI has been its long-term involvement at the Tri-K Gold Mine in Guinea. Over the years, the company has supported the project through different phases of its development, continuously adapting operations
to meet evolving production requirements. “We are also proud to support operations at the Mako Gold Mine in Senegal. Although different in scope, this project demonstrates our capability to provide specialised mining services with the same commitment to reliability, responsiveness, and operational excellence that defines every MCI project,” he excites. Ultimately, each project is unique,
“ W E B E L I E V E S U S TA I N A B L E G R O W T H COMES FROM DELIVERING CONSISTENT PERFORMANCE AND EARNING OUR C L I E N T S ’ T R U S T, P R OJ E C T A F T E R P R OJ E C T ” – G H AS S E N K N A N I , C EO, M I N I N G CO N T RAC T I N G A N D I N F RA S T R U C T U R E
but they all share one common foundation: trust. The company sees every contract not as an end in itself, but as the beginning of a long-term partnership built on performance, transparency, and shared success.
DEDICATION TO THE MISSION Undoubtedly, one of MCI’s greatest strengths is its regional presence. “We are not an international contractor which enters a country only after securing a contract. “Instead, we develop long-term local operations in every nation where we work, which enables us to combine deep local knowledge with international standards whilst optimising mobilisation, procurement, recruitment, and project execution,” Knani divulges. This also allows the company to support its clients in achieving their national content objectives in a practical and sustainable way. “People are at the heart of our business – in every country where we operate, MCI mobilises hundreds of employees and works alongside an extensive ecosystem of local suppliers, subcontractors, and business partners.” MCI firmly believes developing local talent and strengthening local businesses are essential to building a sustainable mining industry across Africa. Despite outstanding growth, the mission remains unchanged – to create lasting value for clients by improving operational performance whilst contributing to the socioeconomic development of the countries where MCI operates. “Global standards, local execution, and long-term partnerships are what we are ultimately striving for,” he passions.
STRATEGY FOR GROWTH The mining industry is evolving rapidly, and MCI’s priorities must evolve with it. 6 | Africa Outlook Issue 121
Recruitment
• Temporary Staffing
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Training
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Healthcare Solutions
C2K STAFFING SARL SENEGAL’S LEADING RECRUITMENT AND WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS PARTNER C2K STAFFING SARL is one of Senegal’s leading human resources companies, specialising in recruitment, workforce outsourcing, temporary staffing, training, and employee healthcare solutions.
For many years, we have successfully supported national and international organisations operating across mining, oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, construction, logistics, manufacturing, and corporate services sectors. Our mission is to provide clients with the right talent, at the right time, whilst ensuring full compliance with local labour regulations and the highest standards of workforce management. Thanks to our extensive talent network, strong field presence, and deep understanding of the Senegalese labour market, we rapidly mobilise qualified professionals ranging from skilled technicians and operational personnel to engineers, supervisors, managers, and executive leaders. Today, C2K STAFFING is proud to support all five major gold mining operations in Senegal, including: • Endeavour Mining – Sabodala Gold Operations (SGO) • Petowal Mining Company (PMC) • BOTO SA • BOYA SA • Makabingui Gold Operation Our mining expertise is further demonstrated through our successful partnership with Mining Contracting and Infrastructure (MCI), one of our most valued and long-standing clients. Over the years, C2K STAFFING has mobilised and managed more than 700
employees to support MCI’s operations and major construction activities on the BOTO Gold Project, contributing to the successful execution of one of Senegal’s most strategic mining developments. Through these partnerships, we contribute to some of the country’s most significant mining projects by providing recruitment expertise, workforce management solutions, and highly qualified personnel capable of operating in demanding industrial environments.
Our core services include: • Recruitment of technical, operational, and corporate professionals • Temporary staffing and workforce outsourcing • Payroll and HR administration • Professional training and capacity building • Employee healthcare coverage through our dedicated Health Insurance Institution (IPM)
What sets C2K STAFFING apart is our commitment to quality, responsiveness, compliance, and long-term partnerships. We understand that every project presents unique workforce challenges and operational requirements. Our experienced team works closely with clients to design customised HR solutions that improve productivity while minimising administrative and legal risks.
This has positioned C2K STAFFING as a trusted partner for some of the most demanding projects and organisations operating in Senegal.
Our recruitment capabilities cover all levels of seniority, from junior and mid-level professionals to senior management and executive leadership positions. Whether supporting large-scale mining projects, energy developments, industrial operations, or corporate organisations, we consistently deliver qualified talent and reliable workforce solutions that enable our clients to focus on their core business objectives.
At C2K STAFFING, we do not simply recruit peoplewe build the workforce that drives performance, growth, and sustainable success.
Over the years, our reputation has been built on professionalism, operational excellence, and a proven ability to respond quickly to the evolving needs of our clients.
C2K STAFFING SARL Website: www.c2kstaffing.com Email: contact@c2kstaffing.com Phone: +221 77 845 42 42 Location: Thiès., Senegal Serigne SOUVARE, General Manager – C2K STAFFING
MINING CONTRACTING AND INFRASTRUCTURE MINING
Furthermore, the company’s objective for the coming years is not simply to grow, but to build a stronger, more resilient, and more capable business. “Our first priority is to continue strengthening our position across West Africa whilst supporting the expansion of our existing clients and building new long-term partnerships,” Knani reveals. “We believe sustainable growth comes from delivering consistent performance and earning our clients’ trust, project after project.” Another priority is to further strengthen its financial foundations. Mining projects require significant investment capacity, strong financial discipline, and trusted banking and financial partners. MCI will continue reinforcing its financial structure whilst expanding relationships with financial institutions, equipment manufacturers, leasing partners, and strategic investors to support larger and increasingly complex mining projects. 8 | Africa Outlook Issue 121
“At the same time, we are investing in strengthening our procurement capabilities, purchasing power, and supply chain performance. “Our ability to secure strategic equipment, optimise procurement, and mobilise resources quickly has become a key competitive advantage for both MCI and our clients,” he adds.
PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE Digital transformation will also play an increasingly important role in MCI’s future strategy, encompassing significant opportunities to leverage data analytics, AI, fleet management systems, predictive maintenance, and digital reporting tools to improve operational performance, optimise decision-making, and create additional value for clients. By progressively expanding its expertise into underground mining, as many African mining operations evolve from open-pit to underground extraction, MCI wants to develop the technical capabilities, specialised teams, and strategic partnerships required to support clients throughout
the entire lifecycle of their assets. In conclusion, Knani sees mining as much more than an industry focused on extracting resources. “Above all, I would like companies to remember that our industry is ultimately about people. “Mines may eventually close and equipment will eventually be replaced, but the knowledge we transfer, leaders we develop, and partnerships we build can continue creating value for generations,” he muses. “The future of mining in Africa will not only be measured by the resources we extract, but by the value we leave behind,” he concludes with optimism.
Tel: +971 52 982 4720 contact@mci-int.com
www.mci-int.com
MINING CONTRACTING AND INFRASTRUCTURE MINING
Rocade Hann Bel Air BP 2631 DAKAR T (221) 33 849 77 77 E cfaoequipmentsn@cfao.com www.cfaogroup.com
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Tel: +971 52 982 4720 contact@mci-int.com www.mci-int.com
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