Following the departure of Ali Némouchi, daniel Marini has taken over the leadership of the Nickel Mining Company (NMC) as President. A geologist by training, he views this new role as both an exciting challenge and an opportunity to reconnect with a land he knows well, though it has changed considerably since he left “Le Caillou” (New Caledonia).
Daniel Marini brings extensive and diverse experience to the role, both within the mining sector and beyond. Early in his career, he conducted geological and mining research for the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) and the National Museum of Natural History. He also worked for the United Nations Programme (UNDP), in particular on mapping and acces to water projects in refugiee camps in Djibouti and Cameroun, and for the World Bank. He then went on to build a significant portion of his career in New Caledonia. His local track record includes serving as Head of the Geological Department for SLN in Kouaoua, managing ore supply operations for the Doniambo plant, and leading exploration efforts for the Prony deposits.
Drawing on its international experience, either in Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Mali or Guinea—Daniel Marini enthusiastically accepted the proposal from SMSP to lead NMC.
The current difficulties facing the nickel industry and NMC do not deter him; on the contrary, they drive him. For Daniel Marini, the stakes go far beyond the corporate structure:
“The idea of turning NMC around a homegrown New Caledonian company so that it can endure and thrive is a key objective for me: technically, socially, and humanly.”
While fully aware of the scale and responsibility of his new position, his motivation is stronger than ever:
“NMC represents 2,200 families; we indirectly support 9,000 people who are going to school, who will grow up and who will shape New Caledonia – they will be the country of tomorrow.”
Regarding strategy, he plans to build on existing foundations:
” My predecessor, Ali NEMOUCHI, worked very hard, and we are continuing with this policy of sobriety, which is also part of my way of life.’
Despite the hurdles, he remains highly confident in the future: “NMC possesses incredible potential—mining, technical, and human alike. We have excellent teams, highly motivated men and women, and a wealth of expertise.”
To conclude, daniel Marini shared a direct message of unity and solidarity with all employees:
“We will succeed, and we will do it together, step by step. We stand united with safety, sobriety and for the long term ».