The financial arm of New Caledonia's pro-independence Northern Province says it is still in the running to make an offer on the Vale nickel plant despite the loss of a major investment partner.
This file photo taken on May 27, 2015 shows Brazilian Vale's nickel processing plant. Photo: AFP
Sofinor has announced its intention to put forward a new bid with a new partner following the shock withdrawal of its former partner, South Korean company Korea Zinc.
Sofinor project manager Ulrich Reber said the terms of the new partnership would be similar to the partnership with Korea Zinc. That included a 56 percent shareholding by New Caledonian interests and 44 percent by the international partner.
Groups supporting Sofinor are continuing to protest and set up blockades around the country.
They are against the involvement of Trafigura, a Swiss-based commodity trader, in the Prony Resources consortium that is currently in exclusive negotiations with Vale.
After weeks of tension, Vale agreed last week to defer signing an agreement on the sale.
However, it has warned that it will shut the plant at the end of the month if it does not have a buyer.
There are around 3000 jobs at stake.
Meanwhile, the pro-independence group FLNKS, has announced that it will boycott all future meetings with the French government.
This includes a meeting via video link with the French overseas minister Sebastien Lecornu, scheduled for later this week.
The meeting will discuss the nickel sector in relation to New Caledonia's institutional future.
Disagreements over the sale discussions led to widespread blockades and riots in Noumea on Monday.
Dozens of people were arrested and several police officers were injured.