Dealing with language barriers in mining projects can be challenging, but here are some practical insights from my experience: 1. Encourage Two-Way Clarity: Workers should feel comfortable requesting clarification when instructions are unclear. Simple language, symbols, or drawings can ensure effective understanding 2. Foster Patience and Clear Communication: Supervisors must recognize that local workers may struggle with accents or complex language. Speaking slowly, clearly, and using translators is crucial, as is staying available for follow-ups to confirm understanding 3. Conduct Regular Awareness Sessions: Organize sessions during the project to remind all teams of these challenges, fostering clearer communication and collaboration

It is challenging enough communicating in same language and still not being understood so dealing with different languages is surely a different thing. From experience, I realise using translation softwares mostly leaves a lot of meanings lost in translation especially when context is considered. Therefore, I find hiring multilingual staff and also providing trainings on site to be very helpful in bridging the gap.

To address language barriers, I use visual aids like detailed diagrams and universally recognized symbols, pair multilingual team members with key roles, and integrate real-time translation tools. For example, during a mining safety drill, we combined visuals with translated instructions, ensuring every team member, regardless of language, could act quickly and effectively boosting both safety and trust.

To bridge language barriers in mining projects, consider using multilingual communication tools and translation apps to facilitate real-time understanding. Hiring bilingual staff or using interpreters during meetings ensures clear communication. Implementing visual aids, diagrams, and multilingual signage can help convey technical information. Regular training sessions and cross-cultural workshops can promote teamwork and understanding. Additionally, leveraging digital platforms that support multiple languages ensures all team members stay aligned on project goals and updates.

In my experience, I put my Project execution plan; with a written effective communication plan covering cadence priority ( specially if the language is not standard English). I do highlight the language as risk ( depending on value of project and strategic decision making stakeholders). I did implement steps with success ; a) Assign and Align a local ( closer to customer) resource to provide real-time and consistent turnaround communication solution. b) Use of Technology ( meeting records- Copilot / AI tools) to ensure accurate communication. c) Lot of non-verbal and verbal sensitivity awareness around cultural hierarchy. Again, Customer needs to feel connected and I do make effort to have the empathy to cross any language barrier.

While I don’t agree with Don Bennet, I take his point. Not knowing a language creates difficulties, and can create risk, however mining history is based on people with knowledge training others who speak a different language. How this is done is where mistakes and risks occur. A decade ago took on the task of being mill superintendent in a Latin American country; and those who have done so know EVERY LA country has significant variances from each other and from European Spanish. Like me the mine Superintendent was English speaking (with a local wife) but him once a week or so, and the mill chemist had a little Spanglish but otherwise I was on my own, so carried a dictionary “mi amiga” in female made it comical and thus more acceptable.

If you cannot speak the language of the country you should not be employed in that country. The safety ramifications are extreme.

Absolutely! To bridge language barriers in mining projects, following can be adapted within the team: 1. Simplify technical terms and create glossaries. 2. Provide multilingual templates and translation tools. 3. Offer cultural sensitivity guidance. 4. Design bilingual training materials and visual aids. 5. Assist with real-time translations and communication clarity.

There's no need to be shy. It can be helpful to communicate more. Basically, you need to strengthen your vocabulary and use some basic grammar.