Second major New Caledonia nickel mine closed by protesters

A second large nickel mine in New Caledonia has been blockaded, stopping about 200 people from going to work.

Activists of the Movement of Revolutionary Kanak Groups took the action at Tiebaghi which is a key nickel mine of the SLN company.

The group said it wanted next month's independence referendum called off, land returned and indigenous rights recognised.

It also said it wanted to negotiate only with the French state, accusing it of pillaging the area's wealth.

One of its leaders said the group was against the referendum because it wouldn't guarantee independence, adding that no referendum was held to seize New Caledonia.

The shutdown of the Tiebaghi site in the far north of the main island follows the closure two months ago of the Kouaoua mining centre by a local group opposed to expanded mining.

Security forces have not intervened.