Restart of Canala Mine in New Caledonia brings relief and discontent
In the heart of New Caledonia, dreams of economic diversification and employment opportunities beyond nickel mining are shared by many, including Giovanni. He envisions coordinating a team and launching development projects to move the region beyond its reliance on mining.
However, the link between New Caledonia's mining activity and politics, particularly on the east coast, is a complex one. This complexity was evident in the conflict over unequal economic benefits from the mine that led to a seventeen-month blockade at the Nakety mine, which resumed on September 12, 2021.
The organization protesting against the Bougival agreement signed in July 2021 is the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS), which has categorically rejected the accord. The FLNKS argues that the agreement falls short of genuine independence for New Caledonia and contradicts its goals of full sovereignty and decolonization.
At the mobilization headquarters, young individuals such as Giovanni, Junior, and Gabriel, who refuse to disclose their full names, are present. They are barely 30 years old and have faces tattooed, indicative of chaotic pasts. Giovanni expresses hope that the resumption of mining activity will benefit everyone, not just a select few.
Eloi Machoro, an icon for independence youth, was born on the black sand beach bordering the Nakety tribe. Eloi, a former teacher, was killed by security forces in 1985 and advocated for controlling the mining tool as a necessary condition for economically viable sovereignty.
Today, the opposition to the Bougival agreement comes from a part of the independence camp. The headquarters, which includes a kitchen, living room corner, meeting table, traditional hut, and vegetable garden, serves as a hub for this opposition.
The resumption of mining activity allowed for a boat to load nickel ore for the first time since March 2024, marking a significant step in the ongoing conflict. However, the violence of 2024 was a result of this conflict, highlighting the need for dialogue and understanding in finding a solution that benefits all parties involved. The conflict later expanded to include the fight for independence against the thawing of the electoral body, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
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