26 Aug 2015

Mediation starts over New Caledonia nickel conflict

12:47 pm on 26 August 2015
truck is parked behind a police vehicle outside the local government building as part of a protest in Noumea organised by ContraKmine, the union of mining contractors, calling on local authorities to overturn a decision on nickel exports to China on August 5, 2015.

A dump truck is parked outside the local government building in Noumea earlier this month, in protest at the government's refusal to allow nickel exports to China. Photo: AFP/ Fred Payet

The president of the Caledonian Union party Daniel Goa has expressed hope protesting truck drivers can exit the unresolved conflict over nickel exports with their heads held high.

He was speaking at the start of mediation efforts in New Caledonia's capital, Noumea, on Tuesday.

Schools have reopened and traffic is moving again after the carriers' blockades were lifted on Monday.

Miners and nickel carriers have been calling on the New Caledonian government to allow exports of ore to China after a decline in exports to Australia.

Mr Goa made a call for genuine discussions on local radio.

More talks are expected on Thursday.

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