Julie Mine Thio, operated by SLN or "Société Le Nickel, is the oldest mine in New Caledonia and is still active. SLN is the oldest mining company in the Territory. Its history is closely linked to that of French colonialism and the beginnings of nickel mining in New Caledonia. "On 18 May 1880, Jules Garnier, John Higginson and Henry Marbeau Partner, created the company Le Nickel and build a factory that produces Thio matte to 50% nickel. In 1909, the company creates Bordeaux Ballande blast furnaces which opens in 1910 a foundry in Doniambo (Noumea). After a worldwide drop in prices in 1931, the two groups merged under the name metallurgical SLN. "
SLN is part of the Eramet group since 1985 and operates several fields in the Great South Land Thio Tiebaghi to the north.
The Mine Tour organized by the Tourist Office of Thio thus encompasses the visit of the modern mine with ore hundred tonnes carrying, sorting and different sites but also the museum mine Village located in Thio and tracing its history and a meal in one of the tribes of the municipality.
The visit of the mine (mandatory helmet and pants) brought back memories to Julian and Lionel who worked on the Goro site. No big news for them then, nor indeed for me who had lived a few weeks with Julian in Mali!
The meal was held at St Paul of the tribe in which we had already spent a weekend a few months ago. It was therefore an opportunity for us to see Jessica, Anna and others about their delicious cuisine. On the menu: bougna, banane frite, salade de choux kanake, gratin de chouchoute et autres produits locaux.
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