The New Caledonian government has approved continued nickel ore exports to Japan amid threats by truckers to block roads.
A dump truck is parked outside the local government building in Noumea in August in protest at the government's refusal to allow nickel exports to China. Photo: AFP/ Fred Payet
The truckers had been pushing for exports to be increased to include China as the entire nickel sector is reeling from low commodity prices.
However, public radio said a decision on whether to ship ore to China had been put off for a week.
Earlier this month, the government of Philippe Germain admitted the context had changed and the government would re-examine demands to export low-grade ore to China.
Last August, the truck drivers blocked key access roads around Noumea for weeks over the nickel export dispute.