Nickel. It is woven into the fabric of our everyday life — from stainless steel kitchen sinks and cutlery to dairy product tankers and computer housings. For over 90 years, Inco Limited has continued to be a world leader in turning mineral exploration and development into metals designed to enhance our standard and quality of life. “Stronger for our Experience” reflects the organizational philosophy of the company and its employees.

Inco Limited is a major story of Canadian achievement. From its roots in the rough and ready mining environment of the 1880s, the company has grown to be one of the world’s premier mining and metals companies. In addition to nickel, Inco processes 13 other elements including copper, cobalt, gold and platinum.

Laboratory research has created proprietary value-added products such as specialty metal powders used in the advanced batteries and electronic applications. Research and development have created new products such as high-nickel alloys for tubing, plate, sheet, bar, strip and engineered products used by customers in the energy, marine, aerospace, electrical and engineering industries.

Inco’s research facilities worldwide continue to foster innovative new applications to increase metals recovery, improve processing capabilities, and develop new exploration methods and equipment. These initiatives help improve health and safety for employees and reduce the impact on the environment.
 

At some of Inco's operations in Sudbury, Ontario, mining has continued for over 90 years. Over that time these operations have seen the full range of technical advances-from the pick and shovel in the early years to the computer-controlled drill today. And tomorrow technology will advance to the point where underfround vehicles will travel and work, guided by a control centre on the surface.

As early as 1917, the company established its first environmental project with the development of Nickel Park in Copper Cliff, Ontario. Annually up to 250,000 pine seedlings, grown in a company-operated nursery in a mine thousands of feet underground, are planted in Spring. In recent years, more than 1,800 acres at the tailings basin have been reforested. The concept of sustainable development is an essential part of the company’s policy throughout its operations.

In 1988 Inco initiated the largest environmental project undertaken by any mining company. Some $600 million has been invested in the Sulphur Dioxide Abatement Project to improve the process at the Sudbury operations to reduce emissions. When the project is completed in 1994, 90 percent of the sulphur in the Sudbury ore will be removed during processing. In recognition of its overall efforts throughout the years, Inco received the Corporate Environmental Leadership Award in 1991 from Environment Canada.

Since its creation in 1902, Inco has continued to broaden its scope of operations. It currently employs 9,600 in Canada and a further 8,100 in 19 other countries. The company is strongly committed to its communities through an active program of donations focused primarily on higher education and health. As part of its support for scientific research, Inco has provided facilities at its Creighton Mine in Sudbury for the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, which, when completed in 1995, will enable the international scientific community to study these elusive sub-atomic particles.

With all successful ventures, the past is the benchmark and guide to the future. Inco’s employees continue to strive towards new frontiers and accomplishments. Canadians, and people through-out the world, will continue to reap the benefits of this ongoing dedication to excellence.