15 Oct 2003

New Caledonia's SLN good performer for Eramet

11:41 am on 15 October 2003

The head of the French Eramet concern says its nickel operation in New Caledonia is the concern's only area that is doing well.

Jacques Bacardats says the Noumea-based SLN company was set to grow and create another 250 jobs by 2006 as nickel production is being increased by 25 percent.

Mr Bacardats says demand for nickel is strong, in particular from China.

He also says in Eramet companies elsewhere about a thousand jobs are to be lost.