Multi national nickel processor, Goro Nickel, which is developing a huge smelter in New Caledonia, is considering importing limestone from Vanuatu.
This has been confirmed by the Vanuatu minister of lands, Steven Kalsakau, who recently visited New Caledonia.
He says if the project eventuates Goro will import up to 600 thousand cubic metres of lime each day.
The lime is likely to come from an area in East Santo, but Mr Kalsakau says there are also substantial quantities in Malekula, Pentecost and Efate.
Goro currently imports limestone from the Phillipines to eliminate acid in the waste from the nickel smelting process.