An Interview with Robin Gendron: INCO's Struggles and Successes in New Caledonia—Exploring Metallurgical Challenges and Sociopolitical Dynamics

In this captivating interview, historian Robin Gendron provides unique insights into the historical involvement of the International Nickel Company of Canada (INCO) in New Caledonia. Focusing on the period from the 1960s to the 1980s, Gendron explores the challenges faced by INCO as it sought to expand its nickel ore sources. The presentation highlights the technological difficulties of refining New Caledonia's laterite ores and the intricate political and economic disputes with the French government and local communities. Attendees at the Historical Metallurgy Luncheon can expect a thought-provoking exploration of the interconnectedness between technology and non-technological factors in the mining industry's international projects.

Can you provide us with an overview of the topic you will discuss at the Historical Metallurgy Luncheon? How does it relate to the field of metallurgy, and what makes it particularly intriguing or significant?

I will be presenting an overview of the involvement of INCO [the International Nickel Company of Canada] in the South Pacific territory of New Caledonia throughout the 20th century, though with a focus on the 1960s to the 1980s. As INCO looked to expand its sources of nickel ore outside of Canada in the 1960s, New Caledonia, with its vast reserves, represented a golden opportunity. Metallurgically, refining New Caledonia's laterite ores also proved a significant challenge even for a company with INCO's renowned technological capabilities and research capacity. Perhaps even more importantly, INCO struggled to convince the French government to allow it to operate in the French dependency, with the company finding itself caught in the middle of a dispute between France and many New Caledonians over New Caledonia's political and economic future. This dispute had significant ramifications for the ultimate success of INCO's interests in the territory, including its large Goro project beginning in the 1990s.

Why would you encourage individuals interested in history, metallurgy, or related fields to attend the luncheon? What unique insights, knowledge, or experiences can attendees expect to gain from this event?

As a historian, I believe there is intrinsic value in examining the past for the insights we can gain into the conditions, issues, or problems we face in the present. INCO's attempts to establish itself in New Caledonia's nickel industry from the 1960s to the 1990s highlight the multifaceted nature of the issues mining companies have to deal with when they invest in international projects, especially those in the global South. In this particular case, political, economic, and even cultural issues proved important stumbling blocks to INCO's plans in New Caledonia in the 1960s and 1970s, even more so than its technological difficulties. In the 1980s, however, technological, operational, and environmental challenges began to affect local attitudes towards the company, undermining INCO's carefully nurtured image in the territory at the start of its Goro project. What I hope to demonstrate is that the viability of INCO's projects in New Caledonia depends on the company's ability to navigate both technological and non-technological issues, sometimes more successfully, sometimes less so.??

This isn't a unique observation, but important nonetheless. What may be unique is the surprising connection between INCO's interests in New Caledonia and one of the most controversial episodes in the history of Canada-France relations.

As the event sponsor, how does Vale's involvement contribute to the overall significance of the Historical Metallurgy Luncheon? How does Vale's support align with the objectives or mission of the luncheon and the field of historical metallurgy?

Given the subject of my presentation, Vale’s sponsorship of the Historical Metallurgy Luncheon is serendipitous and very appropriate.?I started my research on this topic just as 淡水河谷 acquired INCO in 2006, and Vale’s local executives were extremely supportive of my work when I travelled to Noumea for research in 2011 though unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the Goro project. The historical luncheon is dedicated to the idea that the past matters.?Vale’s sponsorship of the luncheon further demonstrates its keen commitment to the communities in which it operates, New Caledonia, Sudbury, or elsewhere, and its industrial heritage.

You can learn more about the Historical Metallurgy Luncheon, sponsored by Vale.