New Caledonia

New Caledonia is poised to refer the impasse over a new mining code to the next meeting of the signatories to the Noumea Accord.

New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS has threatened to challenge the outcome of the next referendum because of the use of the French flag by the anti-independence camp.

The Vale nickel company is lobbying for the export of low grade nickel ore from New Caledonia as it finalises the sale of its assets to New Century Resources of Australia.

A majority in New Caledonia's Congress wants the postponed referendum on independence from France to be held on 25 October.

Reports from New Caledonia say a rival bid involving South Korean interests has been mounted to buy the Vale nickel plant which is being sold to an Australian company.

New Caledonia has lifted the last restrictions imposed over the Covid-19 pandemic but will keep its borders closed.

Another French police officer in New Caledonia has tested positive for Covid-19 - the second case recorded this month.

New Caledonia's loss-making SLN nickel company says $US75 million is left of the loan it had taken out after another year of losses.

The special electoral roll for New Caledonia's next referendum on independence from France has been released, with voters given 10 days to check it.

The first people to enter New Caledonia without having to go into quarantine are expected on a flight from Wallis and Futuna today.