Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Nowhere is the downside of energy transition more visible than in New Caledonia. The French archipelago has large nickel reserves, which are essential for electric cars. France therefore wants to preserve the strategic area, with major consequences for both biodiversity and the original inhabitants, the Kanak. Bram Vermeulen investigates these tensions for VPRO Frontline.
While Europe seeks a green revolution, New Caledonia's nickel industry causes large-scale environmental pollution and threatens the island's unique biodiversity. The effects of mining are visible everywhere: excavated mountaintops, ruined mangroves. What was once a tropical paradise is slowly turning into a barren moonscape.
For the Kanak, the original inhabitants of New Caledonia, the consequences are even more dire. Their dependence on fishing is threatened by toxic “zones du mort” in the mangroves, caused by waste from the mines and refineries. Ironically, the nickel plants are powered by coal and largely owned by foreign companies, including French parties. Residents experience a daily struggle: “This is our home, but we are treated like second-class citizens,” says one resident. “We are left empty-handed."
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions on the island are running high. France, unwilling to cede its nickel reserves and overseas territories, is cracking down on calls for Kanak independence. Following violent protests that left people dead, President Macron has deployed thousands of gendarmes to bring the situation under control. Roadblocks are supposed to restore calm, but isolate entire neighborhoods. "Nickel is the devil's meta", warns a prominent Kanak leader. "If these resources are misused, they are a curse rather than a blessing."
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More info at VPRObroadcast.com
Nowhere is the downside of energy transition more visible than in New Caledonia. The French archipelago has large nickel reserves, which are essential for electric cars. France therefore wants to preserve the strategic area, with major consequences for both biodiversity and the original inhabitants, the Kanak. Bram Vermeulen investigates these tensions for VPRO Frontline.
While Europe seeks a green revolution, New Caledonia's nickel industry causes large-scale environmental pollution and threatens the island's unique biodiversity. The effects of mining are visible everywhere: excavated mountaintops, ruined mangroves. What was once a tropical paradise is slowly turning into a barren moonscape.
For the Kanak, the original inhabitants of New Caledonia, the consequences are even more dire. Their dependence on fishing is threatened by toxic “zones du mort” in the mangroves, caused by waste from the mines and refineries. Ironically, the nickel plants are powered by coal and largely owned by foreign companies, including French parties. Residents experience a daily struggle: “This is our home, but we are treated like second-class citizens,” says one resident. “We are left empty-handed."
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions on the island are running high. France, unwilling to cede its nickel reserves and overseas territories, is cracking down on calls for Kanak independence. Following violent protests that left people dead, President Macron has deployed thousands of gendarmes to bring the situation under control. Roadblocks are supposed to restore calm, but isolate entire neighborhoods. "Nickel is the devil's meta", warns a prominent Kanak leader. "If these resources are misused, they are a curse rather than a blessing."
VPRO Documentary publishes a new subtitled documentary every two weeks, investigating current affairs, finance, sustainability, climate change or politics. Subscribe to our channel, and we will be delighted to share our adventures with you!
This Channel is part of VPRO broadcast. Make sure to visit our additional youtube channels:
VPRO Metropolis: youtube.com/user/VPROmetropolis
VPRO World Stories: youtube.com/VPROworldstories (no longer active)
VPRO Extra: youtube.com/channel/UCTLrhK07g6LP-JtT0VVE56A
VPRO VG (world music): youtube.com/vrijegeluiden
VPRO 3voor12 (alternative music): youtube.com/3voor12
VPRO 3voor12 extra (music stories): youtube.com/channel/UCtgVYRLGraeL9rGMiM3rBHA
More info at VPRObroadcast.com
