The highest French administrative court has thrown out a challenge to two decisions in New Caledonia to approve additional nickel exports.
President of New Caledonia's Northern Province Paul Neaoutyine Photo: RNZ Walter Zweifel
Northern Province president Paul Neaoutyine claimed in 2015 that the mining code was being breached with the sale of low grade nickel ore to what he called 'non-traditional clients'.
His move followed the approval to sell such ore to China and Japan to counter a decline in ore exports to Australia.
The French court has ruled that the new policy was in order.
Two of the main parties, the anti-independence Caledonian Together Party as well as the pro-independence Palika, have said such exports would contribute to a further erosion of the nickel price.