New Caledonia News’ Post

⛏️ South African group Sibanye-Stillwater is reported to be the frontrunner in acquiring shares in #NewCaledonia’s Prony Resources New Caledonia, which has been struggling amid market shifts and local unrest. The company is eyeing a 74% stake, including shares from Swiss trader Trafigura, in a bid to solidify its position in nickel production for electric vehicle batteries. If successful, this acquisition would mark a significant step in Sibanye-Stillwater's strategy to control the entire #nickel supply chain. Patrick Antoine Decloitre RNZ

The island’s future hangs in the balance as internal turmoil dovetails with the paralysis of the French government. Quentin Comminsoli The Diplomat

At the Pacific Islands Forum, unrest in New Caledonia became a key issue after protests over French voting reforms left 11 dead. Though President Macron halted the reform, tensions remain, with increasing support for independence among the Indigenous Kanaks. France, aiming to repair its image, faced skepticism from island nations, who saw its actions as part of a geopolitical struggle involving the U.S. and China. Despite this, leaders endorsed a fact-finding mission to New Caledonia, with calls for more dialogue to prevent further conflict. BBC News Katy Watson veronique roger-lacan François-Xavier Léger

The French government has paid out €130 million in additional aid to businesses and public services in #NewCaledonia in a bid to deal with the crisis that erupted in mid-May. Radio France Internationale

🗣️ Talks with potential buyers for Glencore's stake in Koniambo Nickel SAS (KNS) are ongoing after the loss-making New Caledonian nickel producer shut down its furnaces. Operations were halted in March after Glencore decided to sell its stake, agreeing to cover workers' salaries and keep the furnaces running until August. Most of KNS’s 1,200 staff have been laid off following the shutdown. Three parties remain interested, with two in detailed talks. Unrest since May has further impacted New Caledonia's nickel sector, affecting other local producers. MINING.com Reuters Gus Trompiz Christina Fincher #nickel

Christian Tein, a pro-independence activist who considers himself a "political prisoner," was appointed leader of the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS). This could complicate efforts to resolve New Caledonia's ongoing political crisis, sparked by French voting reforms that indigenous Kanaks fear will hinder their independence. Tein's appointment recognizes his party's role in the independence movement, though internal FLNKS divisions persist. France has suspended the controversial reforms and agreed to send a fact-finding mission, while deploying troops to restore order amid the unrest. Radio France Internationale

Roch Wamytan, the first Kanak president of New Caledonia's Congress and a senior member of the pro-independence FLNKS party, has been replaced by "middle way" candidate Veylma FALAEO after narrowly losing a vote. Falaeo, backed by French loyalist parties, is the first woman to head the Congress and has pledged to promote consensus. Wamytan had criticized France's handling of civil unrest and voting reforms, which sparked protests from pro-independence Kanak groups. French loyalists sought his replacement due to his controversial cooperation with Azerbaijan and the arrest of his chief of staff. Congrès de la Nouvelle-Calédonie Reuters

After months of violence, New Caledonia independence groups will turn to the PIF in hopes of buoying their case for self-determination from France. The Diplomat Dr. Pierre-Christophe Pantz

Three months into deadly protests in #NewCaledonia – sparked by a proposed constitutional reform that reignited tensions over independence – confrontations in the French territory persist, and its economy is in shambles. President Emmanuel Macron wants to hold talks in September, but does the government have anything to offer? Radio France Internationale Sarah Elzas