Thousands of jobs are on the line in New Caledonia as the future of its huge nickel sector hangs in the balance.
Nickel is the mainstay of the French territory's economy but the industry is now mired in a number of conflicts, with sites blockaded and political positions entrenched.
The oldest nickel producer SLN is facing insolvency and the Brazilian-owned Vale plant is at a standstill.
My colleague Walter Zweifel has been following events and I asked him what role the pro-independence movement plays in this situation.
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Photo: Théo Rouby / Hans Lucas