Two months ago, during the second referendum on the independence of New Caledonia, the non-separatists won by a short head (53.26%). Since then, the climate has become tense on the island, in connection with a nickel factory.
Why is this factory a problem?
Located in the southern province (not independentist), the nickel and cobalt processing complex employs 1,300 people and 1,500 subcontractors. Its owner – the Brazilian Vale – wants to sell it as soon as possible, on pain of permanent closure. An Australian buyer had applied, in vain, in early September.
Why is this case becoming political?
While opposing the “breakage” of the site, the separatists close the door to its acquisition by foreign capital. They recommend a takeover solution by the semi-public company Sofinor (associated with Korea Zinc…), already managing a mining complex in the north of the territory. The loyalists denounced the attitude of the separatists, responsible in their eyes for the failure of negotiations with the Australians.
Where is the case?
Brazilian Vale has made an agreement with Swiss Trafigura. The separatists still defend the Sofinor solution. The latter are also putting pressure, multiplying road and port blockades for several weeks.
Are there any advances?
To try to find a way out, the loyalist president of the southern province agreed on Friday to contact the Brazilian Vale. Goal ? Allow Sofinor “To finalize its offer” within two or three months.
Message heard with one ear by Vale who has decided to postpone its decision to sell… only a few days. Anger of the separatists who have therefore resumed blockages. An attitude singled out by the loyalists, denouncing ” burn one’s boats “ separatists. Caledonians do not want the North to appropriate the riches of the South. Caledonians do not want blockages undermining the economy either.
Sunday, December 6, several gendarmes were injured during an operation to lift roadblocks.
How to get out of the deadlock?
The FLNKS (separatist) and three parliamentarians from the center right call for the arbitration ofEmmanuel Macron. In a letter addressed to him, they consider that the island “Is on the verge of a very serious crisis” political, economic and social.
Yves-Marie ROBIN.
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