New Caledonia: Strike and rally by unionized workers ongoing at nickel mines and factories islandwide as of the morning of Jan. 25

Workers affiliated with several companies, including the South Pacific Group and Goro Mines, are striking at nickel mines and factories islandwide as of the morning of Jan. 25. The action is to demand that New Caledonian workers be included in the current discussions on the future of the nickel sector. Reports indicate that mining activity has been disrupted at several mines, especially in Kouaoua. The largest reported rally has occurred at Prony Resources headquarters in Noumea, where at least a hundred workers have gathered at the main gate of the complex; similar gatherings are taking place in South Factory in Goro. The President of the South Factory has agreed to meet with workers at 14:00 Jan. 25 at Prony Resources headquarters in Noumea. Strike organizers announced that further follow-up actions will be dependent on the outcome of the meeting. The events are likely to pass peacefully.

Production delays are possible if workers continue to strike in the coming days. Localized transport disruptions could occur, mainly if workers block access to the site. Organizers may set up barriers along the Col de Poya section of Highway RT1, which may cause traffic disruptions in the area. While unlikely, skirmishes cannot be ruled out if local authorities attempt to forcibly disperse protesting workers.