11 Apr 2006

French officials re-assess Goro security in New Caledonia

3:41 pm on 11 April 2006

A top official of the French high commission in New Caledonia is making another assessment of the Goro Nickel site which has ceased operations after clashes and vandalism that caused 10 million US dollars in damage.

The French team is using a helicopter to check out the Yate area where according to the French high commission some blockades are still in place.

Goro Nickel is the largest industrial project in the South Pacific and its managers say work cannot be resumed unless the safety of the staff is guaranteed.

The Rheebu Nuu group opposed to the project has called for the UN to mediate in the dispute which is about environmental protection and royalties.