Jean-Claude

Despite growing up in the mining town of Kolwezi in the DRC, Jean-Claude never saw himself working as a mine worker like his father.

At school he preferred learning languages and literature over subjects like maths, choosing to study the Bible in both French and English to develop his language skills.

Jean-Claude was working as an English teacher when he heard about a job opportunity as a translator at Glencore’s Mutanda Mining (MUMI).

“I’d always had a passion for interpreting and translating in different languages, as well as computing and business” Jean-Claude explains. “As soon as I found out I’d got the job, I knew my life was going to change.”

MUMI produces both copper and cobalt – raw materials that are building blocks for many of today’s technologies that can support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Located in the DRC’s Lualaba Province, the site provides work for around 2,500 people and is owned by Glencore in partnership with the DRC government. 

Since starting at MUMI, Jean-Claude has worked in translations for a number of different departments – from supporting procedures in MUMI’s laboratories, to work for the mine’s Chief Financial Officer. 

Today, as a document controller, he looks after many documents and helps to implement quality standards and oversee checks on materials that are translated across MUMI’s operations.

“Most of MUMI’s employees speak French and Swahili, but a lot of the documents they receive are in English,” explains Jean-Claude. “My team helps to provide quality checks on materials that employees at MUMI must read. By making sure documents that explain requirements relating to our operating processes are translated properly, we provide the knowledge our people need to help them do their work safely and responsibly.”

Jean-Claude is proud of what he does and of the role that MUMI plays in contributing to the DRC’s economic and social development. 

“I enjoy all aspects of my work and the fact that translating is something I can do for others. It feels good being able to support MUMI’s operations and exercise my love for languages and clear communications at the same time,” he says.