There's growing expectation in New Caledonia that a successful bid will be finalised shortly for the take over of the Vale nickel plant.
A photo taken on May 27, 2015 shows Brazilian Vale's nickel processing plant of Goro in southern New Caledonia. Photo: AFP PHOTO / FRED PAYET
Two weeks ago, the Brazilian owner reconfirmed it would shut the plant, triggering fears of massive job losses.
After New Century Resources of Australia failed with its planned purchase of Vale in September, the government of the Southern province said all efforts would be made to save the more than 3000 jobs at risk.
While a bid by Sofinor of the Northern province keeps falling short, reports say a viable offer is being finalised by a multi-national consortium.
The reports say a Swiss-based commodity trading company Trafigura is central in mounting the offer, but the company has declined all comment on any possible involvement.
Meanwhile, Nickel prices are being buoyed by a surge in demand of the metal for batteries used in electric vehicles.
Vale has been in negotiations with Tesla to provide cobalt and nickel based on supplies from Canada and not New Caledonia.