9 Apr 2019

New mining laws in French Polynesia imminent - mining company

From , 3:02 pm on 9 April 2019

A controversial mining company in French Polynesia says the government has assured it a new mining code will be introduced next week. 

Avenir Makatea is planning to mine Makatea island for phosphate and then rehabilitate it, despite opposition from hundreds of thousands of people. 

But as Mackenzie Smith reports, the plans will hinge on bringing mining laws up to speed, a move which could be imminent. 

Plans are afoot to resume phosphate mining on Makatea atoll

Plans are afoot to resume phosphate mining on Makatea atoll Photo: supplied French Polynesian presidency