RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazilian mining giant Vale SA said on Thursday, December 10th, that it has halted operations on the Pacific island of New Caledonia, a quasi-autonomous French overseas territory, after pro-independence protests nearby, and that military forces are now guarding the evacuated plant.
In a securities filing, Vale said there was no environmental damage, industrial accidents or injuries, and that operations have been suspended “in a safe and controlled manner.”