The Goro Nickel company and the government of New Caledonia's southern province have signed an agreement to set up a development fund.
The fund is to hold more than two million US dollars and be run by a holding company, Promosud, which will buy shares in mining-related ventures of rthe benefit of the locals.
Among those considered are transport businesses that serve the mine site as well as possible shares in a plannned port.
The head of Goro Nickel, Pierre Alla, says the fund is the best way to integrate the nickel project into the local community.
