MCC Ramu names new board chairman
The National, Tuesday 21st May 2013
ZHAO Shimin has recently been appointed as board chairman of MCC Ramu and Ramu NiCo management to replace Madam Luo Shu.
Zhao, who is from northern China, has been in the business of mining construction and operation for more than 40 years, working both in China and overseas.
His first job was pneumatic drill operator in a large-scale iron ore project in northern China in the 1970.
While working his way up through different management positions, Zhao took various courses and obtained degrees in geology, mineralogy and business management.
Prior to joining Ramu, Zhao has been in the executive management positions for more than 12 years at MCC Huaye, which is a leading enterprise in mining construction and contract mining in China.
Under his leadership, MCC Huaye successfully resumed the operation of MCC’s Sierra Grande iron ore project in Argentina within three years.
Zhao is now familiarising himself with the operation at the sites and the social and business environment in PNG.
He has met with key stakeholders including RamuNickel Joint Venture partners, four Landowner Chairmen and government officials of both countries to understand all parties’ concernsand expectations on the Project.
Zhao confirms that Ramu NiCo is targeting at 50% of the design capacity this year, 80% next year and 100% in early 2015.
Despite challenges ahead, Zhao is confident that through proper management and with support from all stakeholders, such operational targets could be achieved to generate revenue and bring more benefits to shareholders and the community.