ZINC IS IN THE ASCENDANCY horizontal development towards higher-grade ore . “ We recognised El Mochito had a lot of issues when we took it over ,” he says . “ Underinvestment during the sale process has required that we catch up on underground development and infrastructure . We ’ ve also made great strides in repairing the relationship between the company and its workers . It was strained through a lack of visible leadership and the general uncertainty brought on by low production rates and few plans for growth .”
People power The El Mochito mine is one of the largest employers in the Honduran municipality of Las Vegas ( population , 70,000 ) and , as a significant contributor to the country ’ s GDP and foreign reserves , Buncic recognises the importance of the mine to its homeland and wants his company to be good corporate citizens . “ We communicated our plan to the community to invest in new equipment and restore the operation to its former success .
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