It was with nostalgia that on the 8th of December, Henri WABETE, Technical Renovation Advisor at Cotransmine, took his well-deserved retirement after 35 years of dedicated service.

Originally from Tiga, Henri has mechanics in his DNA. He started out as a mechanic in the army, then at Sotramine in Kouaoua, before joining the NMC as an assistant mechanic in Nouméa. His eagerness to learn and discover new skills later led him to train as a crane operator at the NMC.

Henri joined Cotransmine in 1990 as a maintenance agent for the renovation of barges and tugs. His responsibilities include cleaning, rustproofing and painting to prevent wear and tear and ensure the longevity of the fleet. Over the years, he improved his skills and became a technical renovation advisor in 2019. His presence at Cotransmine is living proof that a successful career is built on passion, patience and sharing.

Henri humbly acknowledges that he is part of the Group’s history, having witnessed ‘every event since Boakaine closed until now’. He hopes for only one thing: that the younger generation will continue the work with perseverance and thus uphold the company for even longer. For Henri, ‘Cotransmine is like a family with brothers and sisters’. Bonds have been forged and will never cease to exist, as demonstrated by the commemoration on the 28th of November, and which he will continue to attend every year.

In the meantime, it is a return to his roots for Henri, who will settle in Tiga for the next chapter of his life.

The post Henri Wabete: Guardian of Cotransmine’s expertise first appeared on SMSP.

The detailed program of the day will be shared in the coming weeks. Widjè Commitee team and Vingthuitnovembre Association (Kouergoa’s tribe) are already working and arranging the path and the site to ensure a safety pilgrimage to the site called Chefao where the crash happened.

For futher information, all employees’ subsidiaries (Cotransmine, Koniambo nickel and NMC) are invited to contact their respective Company committees. For other visitors, do not hesitate to record the date in your diaries and come and discover SMSP Group History in a relaxed atmosphere of contemplation, conviviality and, of course, a bit of sport. A moment that gathers us all together in remembrance of those who have departed.

Bring confortable walking shoes and a water container with you. Check points will be set up all along the path where you will be able to enjoy some season fruits and to exchange with volunteers in a relaxed atmosphere.

We look forward to seeing you on 28 November in Kouergoa! Watch the clip

The post 28th November 2023 Commemoration _ Kouergoa first appeared on SMSP.

Although it is only one day, the ambition is to make this day another opportunity to highlight the rights acquired by women and the progress that still needs to be consolidated or made.

• PRODUCTION OF A SHORT VIDEO

A short film was made with the enthusiastic support of SMSP’s Subsidiaries including Koniambo Nickel, Cotransmine and NMC, in order to highlight the rights hardly won by women over the centuries. This short film is also an opportunity to remind us that there is still a lot to be done in terms of women’s rights and that disparities in rights are massive from one state to another.

You can view this short film on the SMSP website (https://youtu.be/bTugCtECvCQ )on the Koniambo nickel Facebook page, on the NMC internal Facebook (MyNMC), as well as on the NMC Company Committee Facebook.

The making of these short films is also always an opportunity and a privilege to share with our colleagues in the subsidiaries.

At NMC Ducos, Jean-Christophe BOERE and Christiane OMNIWACK opened the doors of their service for us.

At Koniambo Nickel site, the Communication Assistant, Sarah GUERBER-CAHUZAC, welcomed the SMSP Communication Unit. André JULIEN, Team B Utilities’ Supervisor was kind enough to guide us and allow us to meet his teams.

At Cotransmine, Héloïse MEUREUREU, a supply worker based in Numbo, Ducos (Noumea), volunteered to share her commitment. Norbert KAIMUKO, Captain of the armament, accompanied the team to the filming location.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to all our colleagues in our subsidiaries, who are always willing and enthusiastic to support the group in the effective implementation of its communication actions.

• SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP SOFINOR-SMSP – 8th March 2023

SMSP’s Communication Department also offered a self-defence workshop to its SOFINOR-SMSP teams. Although some were dubious at first, the two-hour workshop was a pleasant discovery for all the participants who played the game. Between seizing and escaping from a hold, countering attacks and giving some, each one was able to discover the practice at his or her own pace.

Marjorie, a great teacher, took the time to accompany each and every one and this moment of instruction was also a moment of strong cohesion.

The short video was shown to the team before the beginning of the activity in a space made available by the ASPTT Motorpool Dojo.

Our sincere thanks to the Dojo, and to Marjorie from VITAFORM who welcomed us and initiated us in a caring and positive way.

• COTRANSMINE – SELF-DEFENCE WORKSHOP

The Cotransmine teams in Numbo (Ducos) have also organized a self-defence workshop for the women of the Numbo site (DUCOS).

This will take place again with VITAFORM on Friday March 17 to ensure the availability of all participants.

• KONIAMBO NICKEL

Koniambo Nickel has produced profiles of 4 of its employees in order to highlight them and share models for tomorrow.

These 4 profiles were shared on Koniambo Nickel’s internal and external platforms, including its Facebook page.

Furthermore, Koniambo Nickel will be present on Saturday 11^th March at the International Women’s Rights Day organized at the Pomémie Cultural Centre in Kone, following an invitation from the Town Hall. This will be another occasion to share with the population and to show the representativeness of women in the mining and metallurgy world.

Last but not the least, the Koné Detention Centre will host the exhibition “Women in the Mine”, lent by the Australian Consulate. The Insertion and Probation Prison Service (Service Pénitentiaire d’Insertion et de Probation), which is organizing this event, and its Cultural and Social Advisor, Thipe UJICAS, have invited a speaker from Koniambo Nickel to the launching of the exhibition on March, 13 at the detention centre.

• NICKEL MINING COMPANY – GIFT VOUCHER

As committed as ever, NMC celebrated Women’s Day this year by giving each of its women staff a gift voucher.

SMSP Group thus shows its commitment to consolidate its commitment to women’s rights and to the development of this priceless added value in the proper functioning of the territory’s economy, in all areas and at all levels.

The post 8 March 2023 – International Women’s Rights Day – SMSP Group and its subsidiaries are committed! first appeared on SMSP.

It is clear that bad faith and politicising have our institutions agonizing and preventing them from taking decisions in the interest of the Country only.

We have witnessed this again recently, during the debates held in Congress on 10^th  January (2023) on the reform of mining taxation. Scandalous comments were made and aimed at discrediting our Group and thus its employees, shareholders and managers.

In spite of the significant disappointment we do experience, that our strategy, which is the only one serving the general interest, is not protected by law and will therefore be ruled to the same level of taxation as companies exporting to foreign founders, and whereas some have attacked our group without shame and without foundation and have called for the truth to come out, we want to make the point out the truth now.

And we provide proofs to support this truth.

The SMSP is one of the most transparent companies in New Caledonia.

We uphold this because SMSP and all its subsidiaries submit their annual accounts and management reports with the Registry of the Mixed Commercial Court each year.

We uphold this because SMSP and its subsidiaries were audited by the Territorial Chamber of Accounts in between 2019 and 2021 covering 7 financial years from 2013 to 2020. No other company in the sector has been subject to such control. An audit which did not find any managing irregularities…

The question is who will know (and want) to understand what our numbers and explanations highlighting actually are.

The comments made in Congress lead us to be extremely cautious about the ability of some people to understand schemes that are supposedly not rocket science.

How can we still hear in 2023 that the offshore model is “value destroying” for Caledonia.

This attempt at provocation, this blatant lie, was not lost on anyone and was, moreover, quickly corrected by Mrs. BACKES herself who finally acknowledged the obvious:

“I am convinced … that there is a part that needs to be transformed externally. …we are in favor of saying that yes, there is a part of our ore that cannot be processed here, and as long as we do not process it here, we might as well process it in offshore plants, because yes, of course it is more profitable.”

Not everyone in her political group seems to have understood this, so we want, once again, to explain the basics of our strategy since, apparently, there is still room for doubt.

A first premise must be stated and the SMSP has never disputed it: it is the fact that local transformation of the mineral resource must be favored. It was in this spirit that the Northern Factory was created.

On the other hand, and as Mrs. BACKES acknowledged, regarding the minerals which cannot be processed locally, the offshore sector is more profitable than the ‘traditional’ export sector. That is a point to be made.

The demonstration is simple: in addition to the sale price of the ore received by the NMC exporter, the SMSP receives 51% of the dividends generated by its processing plant, thus nearly 12 billion at the end of 2022.

As such, since 2009, SNNC has generated a cumulative net profit of XPF 41.8 billion from Caledonian ore, of which 51% has been paid back to SMSP.

How can it be said that receiving XPF 12 billion in dividends out of XPF 41.8 billion in income is “value destroying” for Caledonia? Don’t be afraid of anything!

Moreover, even if some say that it is not enough, we reply that XPF12 billion is more than zero. It seems obvious yet…

Zero, this is what we would have received if SMSP hadn’t changed the established order and if she would have continued to sell the ore to foreign steelworkers. In addition, this partnership has stabilized NMC’s mining operations.

Proof is that NMC will be the biggest contributor to this tax. Thus, NMC will contribute the most to public finances.

So, to those who spit on NMC, on SMSP Group, on our employees, on our managers and shareholders, we say thank you because they help us.

Indeed, every insult, lie and slander against us only strengthens our solidarity and belief in our values.

Truth is important for ensuring peace in a society, and respect as well.

THERBY Karl

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The post Clarification: Mining Strategy and SMSP first appeared on SMSP.

On this Monday, 28 November 2022, it is therefore with a sense of relief that the 28th November Kouergoa Association along with the Widjè Committee successfully welcomed the employees of the SMSP subsidiaries, the visitors and the inhabitants of the area who went on a pilgrimage to the hut.

Customs and launching of 2022 activities

According to the established schedule, the welcome custom’s ceremony was lead by SMSP and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Karl THERBY.

A reminder of the history of this commemoration and of this gathering was also given on this occasion on the basis of the historical exhibition set up in the courtyard. A piece of wall for a piece of history.

It was also an opportunity for the organizers of the event to underline the works carried out by the volunteers of the 28 November Association as well as the volunteers of Widjè Committee, particularly all the infrastructure work carried out since the beginning.

It is in this same courtyard that all the participants in the Day were able to share a meal prepared together in the morning.

Ascension to the Memorial Recollection Hu

The weather, particularly heavy and hot, did not discourage the employees of the SMSP subsidiaries such as NMC, Cotransmine and KNS, and their families, but also the population of the tribe, to carry out the hour and a half of intense, particularly steep walk towards the crash site. It is not a question of running a race, but of performing this pilgrimage walk with serenity and conviviality. It was an opportunity for the teams from the different NMC, KNS, Cotransmine and Nouméa sites to meet or reunite on the path and in a similar identical effort.

The footpath to get there was cleared by volunteers from the Widjè Committee and members of the 28 November Kouergoa Association. This was an arduous task over steep ridges, and very uneven ground, to make sure all participants could move safely at their own pace towards the crash site.

Checkpoints were set up along the way to allow participants to regain their strength offering: pineapples, dried coconuts and other fruits were offered by the volunteers.

The bravest and most athletic volunteers ensured that the checkpoints were supplied with 20L water bottles on foot.

Kaori seedlings and other endemic species to the area were made available at the crash site and along the route to allow participants to help plant trees that will provide valuable shade for future years.

The welcome at the Kouergoa Tribe

The participants gradually came back to the main place of the tribe, and starting point of this walk, between 10 am and 1pm in a warm atmosphere, and for some with the relief of being able to rest their legs. They enjoyed the stalls selling flowers, woodcarvings, homemade jams, homemade juices, etc. set up in the square of the Maison Commune.

At the end of the morning, the rain, at first hesitant, invited itself more apparently on the site. The dishes prepared by the tribe, supported by employees of SMSP branches, in particular Cotransmine, which was particularly active in the kitchen alongside the tribe’s cooks for the occasion, were made available in the courtyard, in the dry.

Ritual and shared meal

Fred BOERE, representative of KNS and Vice-President of the Widjè Committee, opened the meal. He represented the Widjè Committee in the absence of the usual representatives who were unfortunately unable to attend, notably Miguel ATE, Sarah MANZANARES and Sidji CHIMENTI, the driving forces behind the Widjè Committee alongside the members.

Fred’s humble speech was a profound and solemn reminder of the reasons and importance of meeting in these special conditions, far from hierarchies and operational imperatives for one single day.  It was a way to realign ourselves with the symbols that lead us every day to carry out our respective missions within the subsidiaries of the SMSP Group.

As usual, the meal was copious, tasty and varied with a baked pig, bami, salads among others, root-crops, poingo bananas etc., a well-deserved reward after the sportive walk at the beginning of the day.

Thanks and farewell ceremonies

The closing ceremonies were performed by NMC and Cotransmine at about 3pm. The closing speeches were particularly eloquent.

Marcellis PECOEAOA of NMC Kouaoua began by thanking the work accomplished as well as all those who came. This was an opportunity to thank the group and the management of the subsidiaries for allowing staff members to meet every 28 November outside of work for a time of recollection and commemoration.

Edouard IKAPA of the NMC then expressed particular appreciation for the great deal of preparatory work done this year.

Finally, Gaston EKEDIWO of Cotransmine Numbo, continued the speech to thank also the active forces who were there as well as the company’s presidents and leaders present. Words of appreciation to the populations of the tribe for their great contribution, in particular the reception and welcome of the volunteers throughout the year during meetings and works carried out directly on the tribe.

The old Harry BEINON who performed the exchange on behalf of NMC Nakéty to the tribe of Kouergoa underlined with malice and a positive anticipation “it is a sign of goodbye, we will see each other next year”.

This was a way of consolidating the link forged over 20 years ago. He added to the thanks already expressed to the volunteers by noting with emotion that over the years he has seen improvements and developments in the right direction. He was keen to congratulate the work carried out for the Memorial Hut by the tribe and all the active forces. He enthusiastically gave everyone rendez-vous for next year!

The meaning of the date 28 November

November 28^th is a date that belongs to the intimate history of the SMSP Group, its employees, its subsidiaries and also of New Caledonia. When the tragedy occurred in 2000,  SMSP development and growth, its rise as an economic player of the Northern Province and of the territory were closely linked to the peace signed during the Matignon Agreement.

Roger THEVEDIN, Customary Chief of Kouergoa and member of the Council of Chiefs of the Xârâcùù Area, thus highlighted “On November 28, 2000, the land of Kouergoa Tribe welcomed the last breaths of SMSP’s staff members, Raphaël PIDJOT CEO, Jean-Pierre LAPOUS General Manager, Jean-Pierre GASTALDI Technical Manager, Régis VIVIER Financial Manager, Jean-Marc DALMASSO SMSP Pilot; Pierre THOLLOT and Robert GARDINER consultants of the Canadian Falconbridge Group. This is an integral part of the tribe’s history, as well as the SMSP’s and the whole New Caledonia’s. Raphaël gave his life for the Kanaks. Kouergoa will never forget this”.

Widjè Committee 28 of November

Created in 2020, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the group, the Widjè Committee is the expression of a commitment that has lasted for more than 20 years now from the employees of NMC, Koniambo Nickel and Cotransmine, subsidiaries of the SMSP group.

The volunteers of the subsidiaries met each year to ensure, alongside the Association 28 November of the tribe of Kouergoa, the maintenance, and the enhencamenet of the crash site. A way to honor the people who lost life there, and also a mean to share the history with visitors every year.

Once again this year, it is important to highlight the hard work achieved by the members of the Committee including those who left or couldn’t be with us on the 28^th:

Alphonse WENENINA, he excused himself this year because of personal commitment after 7 years devoted to work on all works done around the crash site and in the tribe. We thank him and will welcome him back anytime.

Ludmilla TAAVIRI et Eloïse MEUREUREU-GOIN, have joined the Committee this year. Cotransmine employees, we are delighted to welcome them among us.

Teddy WAYA, from NMC, also joins the committee this year.

Miguel ATE, Sarah MANZANARES, Sidji CHIMENTI, Fred BOERE, Edouard IKAPA, Josée KONDOLO, EKEDIWO Gaston, Rose-May GOUBIER, Jeanne WAIMO, Alex VAKIE, Edouard CIWE, Laureen LAI-THAM, Yvette SAM.

The post 22 years later, SMSP and Kouergoa commemorate their deceased: Recollection and commemoration first appeared on SMSP.

SMSP group continues to develop its strategy to optimize the valorization of its natural resource. On July 9, 2021, SMSP signed a partnership agreement with POSCO for the diversification of the production of the Gwangyang Plant. Thus SNNC, SMSP’s Subsidiary Plant in South Korea, will continue to receive the same quantity of ore but will produce two types of products: ferronickel and matte. Matte is an intermediate product used in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries. Under the agreement, SNNC will produce 26,000 tons of ferronickel and 21,000 tons of matte by 2024.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Tuesday 22 June this week to mark the launching of works at SNNC Caledonian Plant in South Korea.

The post First stone laying _ Matte Project in Gwangyang first appeared on SMSP.