New Caledonia

In 2024, New Caledonia was the world’s fifth-ranked producer of nickel, accounting for 3.1% of global production. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included cement, cobalt, and ferronickel. Production of nickel contributed 5% to New Caledonia’s total value added. New Caledonia exported nickel ore and metallurgical products to China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. 

The legislative framework for the mineral sector in New Caledonia is provided by the Mining Code of New Caledonia of 2009. The New Caledonian Department of Industry, Mines and Energy (Direction de l’Industrie, des Mines et de l’Énergie de la Nouvelle-Calédonie) (DIMENC) oversees the mineral sector and the Mines and Quarry Service (Le Service des Mines et Carrières) provides regulatory services for mining activities including exploration, extraction, and environmental protection. Most mineral commodities were produced by private international companies except for the Goro and Koniambo Mines, which were majority owned by domestic entities which were jointly owned by province governments.