After six months of interruption, some of the employees of the South factory, Prony Resources, in Mont-Dore, have resumed activity after months of partial unemployment. The restart is a relief for these workers.
After six months of interruption, Prony Resources restarts this Monday, November 18. A recovery impatiently awaited by the teams, marked by a mixture of hope and relief.
Thierry Thevenet, quality controller at the factory, was one of the first to board the Prony Express this morning, heading to Yaté, in Mont-Dore. After several months without work, he admits that he feels real relief.
Initially, I dipped into what leave I had left. Then afterwards, there was partial unemployment… Salaries, the higher they went, the lower they went. It was time to start again, I would say.
Thierry Thevenet, quality controller at Prony Resources
No more production since May 17, no more electricity supply since June 4. Despite the interruptions, certain teams remained on site, notably the medical center, to ensure the continuity of essential services. Marie-Laure, a nurse at the factory, worked tirelessly during this period.
We had a lot less crowd than normal, but still…
Marie-Laure, nurse at Prony Resources
Security, too, has been a priority area. Dimitri Philippe, security agent, escaped partial unemployment. He nevertheless appreciates the importance of this day, for those who returned to their posts today.
It's a special day because there are families who need to return to work. They will be able to breathe a little.
Dimitri Philippe, security officer at Prony Resources
If production resumes, the restart will take place gradually. Only staff “priority for restart” were called.
The objective of this recovery is to take stock of all the installations. Carry out the necessary maintenance to be able to restart. And above all to concentrate again on all operations.
Matthieu Decuiserie, utilities manager at Prony Resources
The recovery is all the more crucial as it aims to restore the production level of early 2024, a time when the plant had reached a record of 3,500 tonnes of Hydrometallurgical Nickel (NHC) for three consecutive months and to convince potential buyers to buy the factory.
