Prospects for the Development of Critical Minerals and Multilateral Cooperation in New Caledonia [Indonesia Conference] (To Be Confirmed)

At the 2025 Indonesia Mining Conference & Critical Metals Conference - Nickel-Cobalt-NEV Arena, Jean-yves Saussol, Minister of Energy and Mines Industry of New Caledonia, shared insights on the topic of "Prospects for the Development of Critical Minerals and Multilateral Cooperation in New Caledonia."

Key information about New Caledonia:

New Caledonia, an archipelago and a French overseas territory, is located in the South Pacific and enjoys a high degree of legislative autonomy.

► Laws related to the nickel industry are voted on by the local parliament and implemented by local governments and provinces.

► France is responsible for maintaining public order and national defense, and provides financial support when necessary.

► The population of the archipelago is approximately 270,000.

► Covering an area of 18,576 square kilometers, it is one-hundredth the size of Indonesia.

► Thanks to its strong industrial sector (the nickel industry accounted for 20% of market wealth creation in 2019), New Caledonia's per capita GDP reached $36,000 in 2022.

New Caledonia boasts unique biodiversity, with over 3,260 endemic plant species (74% of which grow exclusively there) and 23 endemic bird species. These species inhabit unique ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth. Some of these ecosystems have been impacted by historical nickel mining, a resource that has played a pivotal role in the island's development.

The nickel industry has shaped New Caledonia's modern history, serving as a significant milestone in its development.

Significant Resource Potential

It is reported that New Caledonia holds approximately 20% of the world's geological resources and about 5% of the proven reserves.

According to DIMENC's estimates, New Caledonia's potential nickel resources will reach 54 million mt by 2025.

Low Mining Challenges

Overview of Public Policy Objectives in 2009

This strategic plan is guided by important political documents, including the Nouméa Accord, the Strategic Plan, and the Mining Law.

Main Objective: Maximize regional value-added by developing downstream processing locally.

Five Core Pillars of the Strategic Plan for Mining Resources:

► Ensure a stable and transparent legal framework;

► Enhance understanding of existing resources;

► Minimize and compensate for environmental impacts;

► Ensure fair redistribution of value-added and prepare for the future;

► Encourage innovation and best practices in mining technology.

New Caledonia's Nickel Ecosystem

Challenges and Opportunities

Key Challenges:

➔ Perceived country risk

➔ Social acceptance

➔ Labour cost and productivity

➔ Metallurgical energy cost

➔ Environmental concerns

➔ Diversification of downstream markets

Opportunities:

➔ Abundant reserves of high-quality ore

➔ Shared pursuit of a better future

➔ Ongoing and stable political negotiations

➔ Experienced operators and personnel with long-term nickel mining experience

➔ Transparent and reliable legal framework

➔ High standards of social and environmental norms

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