Nakety Mine

The Nakety Mine is situated on the rugged eastern coast of Grande Terre, near the municipality of Canala. This mining site is a testament to the paramount importance of nickel to New Caledonia's economy. The landscape around the mine has been dramatically shaped by decades of open-cast mining, exposing the deep red hues of the laterite soil that is exceptionally rich in nickel ore. Due to the logistical challenges of the mountainous terrain, the ore is often moved via conveyor systems or specialized trucks directly to coastal loading stations, where it is put onto large bulk carriers for international export. For the local community of Canala, the mine serves as a critical source of employment and underpins the region's socio-economic structure. While the mine itself is generally closed to the public, the surrounding coastal roads offer striking views of the terraced excavation sites, which stand in stark contrast to the verdant tropical forests and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the scale of the industry that drives the nation.

Nearby cities

Vallée du Tir

Vallée du Tir is a popular and historical district of Nouméa, located near the harbor.

Nouméa

Nouméa is the capital and largest city of New Caledonia, situated on a peninsula in the southwest of the main island.

Vallée des Colons

Vallée des Colons is a historical residential district in Nouméa with many traditional colonial-style houses.

East Vallée des Colons

East Vallée des Colons is the extension of the historical district towards the hills of Nouméa.

Lemon Bay

Baie des Citrons is a popular neighborhood in Nouméa featuring a sheltered bay ideal for swimming.

Dumbéa

Dumbéa is a rapidly growing suburb of Nouméa and part of the Great Nouméa metropolitan area.

Thio

Thio is considered the cradle of nickel mining in New Caledonia, located on the southeast coast.

Païta Pioneer District

Païta is known for its history as the first major settlement outside Nouméa.

Païta

Païta is located west of Nouméa and hosts the territory's primary international airport.

Kouaoua

Kouaoua is a mining town on the east coast famous for having one of the world's longest conveyor belts.

Houaïlou

Houaïlou is a town on the east coast known for its lychee cultivation and mining tradition.

Poindimié

Poindimié is the most important economic and administrative center on the northeast coast of the main island.

Canala

Canala is a historical center of nickel mining on the east coast of New Caledonia.

Magenta

Magenta is a district of Nouméa that hosts the territory's domestic airport.

Rivière-Salée

Rivière-Salée is a large residential district in northern Nouméa, named after the local 'salty river'.

History & landmarks

Nouméa City Hall

The city hall of Nouméa is housed in a prominent building located at the edge of the Place des Cocotiers.

Saint-Gabriel Mission of Canala

The Saint-Gabriel mission was a significant base of the Catholic Church on the mountainous east coast.

More places

Ducos

Ducos is the primary industrial and commercial zone of Nouméa, located on its own peninsula.

Doniambo

Doniambo is the industrial heart of Nouméa, home to the massive SLN nickel smelter.

Canala Mining Region

This region in the center of the island was one of the first places where nickel was discovered, shaping New Caledonia's history.