Disruption to traffic and businesses is expected again in Noumea today, as a blockade of New Caledonia's capital is set to continue.
Several access sites are expected to be blocked from early this morning by truck drivers frustrated by a decision not to allow low grade ore exports to China.
Last week they blocked all main routes into the city for days, allowing only emergency vehicles through, and many businesses on Friday opten to close for the day.
A photo taken on August 19, 2015 in Noumea shows trucks blocking the Riviere Salee roundabout, as truck drivers blocked the different roundabouts leading to the city with 30-tonne trucks on the 15th day of protests against the government concerning the opening of a nickel ore export canal to China. Photo: AFP
On Friday night, a young man died in a car accident involving one of the blockades, prompting the president of the New Caledonian government, Philippe Germain, to call for a return to order, to give respect to the grieving family.
The vice president of the union, CotrankMine, Wilfrid Mai, says he will not accept new negotiations without the presence of Daniel Goa, the president of the Caledonian Union, taking the role of mediator.