Reports from New Caledonia say in recent days air pollution has been spiking near the SLN nickel plant in Noumea.
High level of pollution measured near old power plant Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades
An air quality control organisation Scal-Air says sulphur-dioxide levels have been elevated because of unfavourable winds and the continued operation of a diesel-powered electrictry station.
The SLN smelter relies on the power plant which is due to be replaced by 2021 with a gas-powered facility.
The reports said the pollution levels didn't require triggering an alert.
However, people in the plant's vicinity complained of health problems.