Brazil's Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, or CVRD, has given its final approval for the 3 point two billion US dollar Goro Nickel project in New Caledonia, despite delays, cost explosions and quarrels with some locals.
CVRD reviewed the project after acquiring it from the Canadian company, Inco, last year.
Jacques Boengkih, a spokesperson for Rheebu Nuu, a group that is opposed to the project on environmental grounds, says while most of their environmental concerns have been addressed, they are having further negotiations with the company.
"They will wait to have some further discussions with CVRD and see if it comes out with some good results. Otherwise when they will finish with their round of negotiations and they have no results, they will start the blockades."
Mr Boengkih says there are some rare plants that need to be protected and the group now also demands royalties.
