The Vale Nouvelle-Calédonie (VNC) site, in New has been evacuated following a night of protests at, and near the site, by independence activists in New Caledonia, Brazilian major Vale reported on December 11.
The plant is under the protection of the military forces and operations have been halted until safe work and community conditions prevail.
There were no injuries, no environmental damage and no industrial accidents.
On December 8, Vale signed a binding put option agreement for the sale of its ownership interest in VNC, which is backed by both the Caledonian and French governments and was approved by the VNC workers' council.