TNMC boss set to leave Mine

Chakalisa Dube | Wednesday June 25, 2014 06:59

According to sources within the mine, Steshenko will soon be leaving the mine although members of the mine’s executive committee and mine employees are still in the dark.

Insiders have however told Mmegi that as part of preparations for his departure, the Russian underwent mandatory exit medical tests usually performed when an employee leaves a mine.

“We have been informed he is leaving. Indications are that the director’s contract finishes at the end of the month, though his work permit expires next year,” said the source.

 Last year, the owners of the mine, Russia’s Norilsk Nickel put the mine up for sale. Stenshenko is currently said to be at the company headquarters in Russia. 

He is expected back later this week to wind up his affairs before heading back to Russia.

Yesterday TNMC spokesperson Tebogo Rapitsenyane said that he was not aware of the pending departure.

“I am not aware that the director is leaving the company. I believe that if the director is indeed leaving, the company will make an announcement,” he said.

While confirming that Steshenko is currently in Russia, he said he was not aware of the purpose of the trip. Steshenko joined TNMC as a commercial director in 2012. He was later appointed to the position of MD in May 2013, taking over from Bogdan Kuzhel who was recalled by Norilsk Nickel to Moscow to assume the position of production director in Russia.

It was during Stenshenko’s tenure that TNMC came up with an ABC rescue plan to help sustain operations at the ailing Botswana operation. 

Reports show that the ABC strategy has turned things around.

TNMC were agonised over the declining ore grade, high costs of production and lower sales due to BCL smelter outages and declining nickel prices, amongst others, at the time Steshenko took over.

Norilsk has announced that it intends to sell its assets outside Russia including the Botswana operation in the next two years.