A rally is under way in New Caledonia to protest against the Goro nickel project.
The rally has been organised by the Kanak group Rheebu Nuu which says it condemns the environmental effects of the project.
It says there is no traditional agreement between the Canadian company, Inco, and the people of New Caledonia to develop the Goro site.
A Kanak activist, Jacques Boengkih says he expects around 8000 people to join the rally.
The Kanaks support the northern Falconbridge mining project, which they see as a way to provide new jobs and income to the north of the territory.
Inco is now set to take over Falconbridge but there is uncertainty about the project in the north.
