1950-1969

Association with Edouard Pentecost to explore his mining estate in the southern massif.

1969-1974

Inco’s subsidiary COFIMPAC carries out geological studies and sampling in the southern massif, in order to develop the first extraction techniques.

1992

Acquisition of mining rights for the deposit at Goro in agreement with the BRGM.

Inco develops a hydrometallurgical process specific to nickel.

First consultations with neighbouring communities.

1993

First test-drilling at Goro and first laboratory works.

1994

First core samples. Environmental impact study to establish initial conditions.

1995

Hydrometallurgical process chosen for extracting nickel and cobalt.

1995-1997

Construction and operation of a pilot plant at Port Colborne in Canada.

1996

Feasibility study carried out by SNC-Lavalin.

Université du Pacifique opinion poll to establish local points of view
Creation of the experimental nursery at Goro

1998-1999

Population involved in official public consultations

1999

Construction of the pilot plant at Goro

2000

Université du Pacifique opinion poll updated

2001-2006

Local people consulted through opinion polls and focus groups

2002

Southern factory construction works begin with Bechtel Technip and Hatch (BTH)

Works suspended due to overspending

2003

Layout plan and construction approach revised.

New partners sought.

Social and cultural environmental impact study.

INERIS carries out study and makes recommendations

2004

ICPE mining permit obtained, taking into account INERIS recommendations.

Official announcement about resumption of the project

Information, consultation and monitoring committee for the environment established.

2005

Environmental impact study completed.

Site construction recommences

Construction of the 400 modules begins in the Philippines.

2005

CEREGE begins and leads a study to provide a second opinion

Paul Doumer training centre opens

Systems are established to ensure that there are benefits locally (coordination centres, provincial steering committee, etc)

2006

Vale Inco Nouvelle-Calédonie requests a new ICPE mining permit

Completion of earthworks and works at the port and power station

First modules delivered

2008

Construction of the factory completed.

8 July : UNESCO approved the official designation of New Caledonia’s lagoons as a World Heritage site

27 September : The signing of a sustainable development agreement for the great south

9 October : Signing of the ICPE orders: on route to starting operations.

19 December : Goro Nickel is now called Vale Inco Nouvelle-Calédonie

2009

Production begins in phases

2013

Production of nickel and cobalt at full capacity begins.

1902

1915

1919

1920

1946

1950

1972

1983

2002

2005

2006

The International Nickel Company is created on April 1;
one of its seven founding companies is la Société Minière Calédonienne

The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange

Inco becomes the trade name for the International Nickel Company

Inco is interested in the potential of New Caledonia's nickeliferous laterites.                               
Prospecting goes ahead in a number of massifs.

As part of the war effort, Inco refines production techniques at la Société Le Nickel, for the USA.

The PENTECOST Group grants Inco permission to explore its mining land.

Inco develops a hydrometallurgical process specific to nickel

Through its subsidiary company CHROMICAL, Inco begins underground mining for chromite at Thiébaghi, in the North of New Caledonia.  Mining continues until 1990.

Inco celebrates its centenary and its 100 year long involvement with New Caledonia

 Inco builds a complex for the production of nickel and cobalt in New Caledonia.

October : CVRD Brasil bought INCO