Rogelio Garcia Sanchez has been working at the Moa Nickel Site since 1975, starting as a development chemist then shifting roles to the Technologies Department when the Moa Joint Venture was created. Since 2000, Rogelio has served as Moa Nickel Site’s Environment Department Supervisor. His relationships within the Moa Joint Venture and its surrounding communities, along with his environmental expertise, enable him to understand and address community concerns related to the environment.
In Rogelio’s words, “Supporting the surrounding communities and maintaining a good relationship with them is capital. These communities support the company. Also, most of the company’s employees and their families are part of these communities. This support demonstrates the responsibility of the company in respecting both the people and the environment that surrounds us.”
Rogelio and his team focus on preventing and addressing environmental issues and grievances that affect the Moa Nickel Site’s surrounding communities. Over the years, the Moa Nickel Site has substantially improved its engagement with communities and built strong relationships through several community initiatives.
Rogelio is proud of the ongoing work the Moa Nickel Site has done with elementary schools in Moa, including “Painting the Environment” art displays and other environment-themed educational activities. The Moa Nickel Site supports the communities through regular donations related to health and education and through an employee volunteer program that provides maintenance and construction support for community infrastructure.
“Rogelio has been an important contributor to the success of the Moa Joint Venture. He was instrumental in setting up and obtaining approval in 2004 for the original environmental operating standards which regulate the maximum emissions and discharges from the Moa Nickel plant. Rogelio’s work on process effluent control towards achieving zero discharge, together with his contribution on a number of air quality improvement projects, has had a very positive result on the environment. Additionally, throughout Rogelio’s career his excellent communication skills have allowed superior stakeholder engagement to occur.”
– Lyle Bernard, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Moa Joint Venture