Working to foster local development near its units is a responsibility that SLN has willingly taken on. That’s why the ERAMET Groupe subsidiary, which beneficiates nickel ore on New Caledonia, cofounded the construction of Gohapin bridge to make travel easier for local populations.
The ERAMET Groupe plays an active part in its host territories’ economic and social development. SLN’s contribution to Gohapin bridge is a good example. It’s one of the investment programmes that the company supports in the towns and villages near its facilities to help their sustainable development (e.g. public services, housing, environmental projects).
With SLN funding CFP 35 million (approx. €30,000) out of the 180 million total budget, the project comes under the three-party agreement entered into by SLN, Poya municipality and New Caledonia’s Northern Province in 2011. Now the almost 600 inhabitants can cross the river safely in any weather, including 200 children who go to school on the other side.
The bridge was opened on December 11th 2013 in the presence of the mayor of Poya, the chairman of the Gohapin clan council and several figures from SLN including CEO Pierre Gugliermina.
