Nickel plant attacked

REPORTS from New Caledonia say there has been another major arson attack at the site of the Vale nickel plant.

The company said a group of individuals attacked staff and set several fires, which destroyed more equipment.

There have been no arrests.

Nearly two weeks ago, the site was targeted in an arson attack which prompted the deployment of a riot police elite squad and the evacuation of employees.

The planned sale of the Brazilian-owned plant has been at the centre of a broad opposition movement which wants the asset to go into New Caledonian hands.

Meanwhile, blockades of some mines owned by the SLN nickel company have been lifted to allow ore to be fed to its smelter in Noumea.