Engaging Our Stakeholders

New Caledonia

New Caledonia: A Framework for the Future

On October 19th, Inco announced that the development of the Goro project would proceed. Joining Scott Hand (left) for the announcement in Toronto were Philippe Gomès, President of the Southern Province of New Caledonia (centre) and Hilarion Vendegou, President of the Djubea Kapone customary area of New Caledonia.

Click for a larger view

Two years ago, we embarked on a review to ensure that our development project in New Caledonia was economically and technically sound. During the same period, we also took the opportunity to develop the partnerships that will enable Inco to positively impact the quality of life on the South Pacific island as we move forward.

In collaboration with our local communities, we took further steps to develop a framework - known as the "Carrefour des Initiatives" or "Forum of Initiatives" - that will establish principles intended to build mutually beneficial and sustainable relationships. "Our common goal is to build an enduring partnership, one that is based on mutual respect and interests and the values of modernity and tradition, and that will ensure that local peoples have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the Goro project," said Inco Chairman and CEO, Scott Hand, during a visit to meet with government and community leaders in New Caledonia last summer.

Specifically, the accord is expected to encompass such areas as education, training, local employment and business opportunities, traditional values and social impacts, and to provide a community advisory role in key operational areas such as the environment. Over the past two years, Laurent Chatenay, Director of Community Relations and Communication for Goro Nickel, has been out in the community building sustainable relationships in support of the project with local people. "Goro has a long future in New Caledonia and we're working with the local communities to ensure that the project has a positive impact right from the outset," says Chatenay.

Having completed and successfully achieved the key objectives of the project review, Inco made the decision to proceed with the development of our project in New Caledonia. At the announcement, which took place last October 19th at our Toronto headquarters, we were joined by a number of government and community leaders from New Caledonia including, Philippe Gomès, President of the Southern Province of New Caledonia, and the hereditary leaders of New Caledonia's Melanesian community. "This mining endeavour...is an incredible opportunity for our country," said Gomès. "It is a fabulous way of accelerating economic development. It is an incredible hope for our young people, for New Caledonia and its future." Also in attendance at the announcement was Hilarion Vendegou, President of the Djubea Kapone customary area. In commenting on the Goro project Vendegou stated, "It is necessary that this project, which will obviously bring major changes with it, must also be viewed as a positive element and contribute to the improvement of the life of our tribes. We will see to it that everybody benefits, not just the population, but all the ethnic groups, from the north to the south of New Caledonia, and in the islands." Earlier in the day, meeting with Inco's Board of Directors, Vendegou said, "This is no longer just Inco's project - this is our project as well."

Read more about the Goro project announcement.