New Caledonian group loses bid to stop mine
Published by MAC on 2006-02-09
New Caledonian group loses bid to stop mine
by Radio Australia
9th February 2006
An indigenous group in New Caledonia has lost its bid to halt a massive nickel project on the South Pacific island.
A court this week rejected the application by the Kanak Rheebu Nuu Committee to stop the Goro nickel/cobalt project from going ahead.
The Committee had applied for the exploration licence of the Canadian-based company Inco to be revoked.
The Rheebu Nuu is seeking guarantees over environmental protection in the southern tribal area.
Thousands of Filipino workers are set to arrive in New Caledonia in the coming weeks to help construct the multi-billion dollar plant.
A final ruling on the project is expected in three months.