"Rhéébù Nùù’s purpose was not to shut down the mining project entirely, but rather to ensure that the Kanak received the greatest economic benefits for the least environmental cost".
[3] From 2001 to 2008 Rhéébù Nùù pressed Goro Nickel to consult with indigenous communities and for environmental norms to be respected.
[4] "This had included several blockades that culminated, in April 2006, in a two-week stand-off in which four gendarmes were injured, 36 people arrested, and over one billion FCFP (approximately $US 13 million) of damage caused to the mining company’s equipment.
"[3] Negotiations took place that led to an agreement being signed on 27 September 2008 by 12 Rhéébù Nùù leaders, 25 customary authorities and two Goro Nickel representatives.
[6] While that opposition has now been dropped, concerns still exist - particularly among green NGOs - about the environmental record of the Goro Nickel plant, even as more local people are now involved in subcontracting operations and work for the company.