The junior partner in the New Caledonian government says it wants to renegotiate its links with the anti-independence RPCR party, which is the territory's dominant force.
According to a report by the French news agency, AFP, the allied independents, or members of the FCCI, have decided to adhere to their coalition deal until at least October although they say they disagree with the main party about its mining policies.
Last month, an FCCI member, Raphael Mapou, was excluded from the government over the policy differences in a move that has caused tension within his party.
Mr Mapou now says he will seek a court ruling on the government's decision to give the Goro Nickel company more prospecting rights.
