TNMC confirms departure of Steshenko
Chakalisa Dube | Wednesday July 2, 2014 13:42
Last week Mmegi reported the pending exit, but the organisation then claimed ignorance. This week, TNMC parent company, Norilsk Nickel in Moscow, Russia confirmed having recalled Steshenko following the lapsing of his work contract (at TNMC).
It was, however unclear in what capacity he will serve at Norilsk.
Steshenko’s contract ended on Monday and officials at the mine confirmed that he was leaving the mine.
“Steshenko’s farewell dinner was held last week Friday. He is currently locked up in a meeting with some senior company officials in Gaborone but today will be his last day as an employee of the mine.
“He is returning to Russia,” TNMC spokesperson Tebogo Rapitsenyane told Mmegi on Monday morning. Rapitsenyane said that deputy managing director, Ditiro Lentswe has been appointed on an acting basis until the mine makes a substantive appointment.
Lentswe joined TNMC in 2010 as head of mining.
He holds a Degree in mining engineering from the University Nottingham in the UK. He previously worked for Debswana, Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa Mines in various capacities.
Steshenko joined TNMC as a commercial director during the lean times of 2012. He was later appointed to the lucrative position of MD in May 2013.
He took over from another Russian Bogdan Kuzhel who was recalled by TNMC Norilsk to Moscow, the same year to take up an appointment as production director.
During Steshenko’s tenure TNMC came up with an ambitious ABC rescue plan to help sustain operations at the ailing Botswana operation. Reports, both in the international and local media, indicate that the ABC strategy has turned things around for the mine.
Prior to coming with the ambitious ABC strategy, TNMC was worried by the declining ore grade, high costs of production and lower sales due to BCL smelter outages and declining nickel prices amongst others.