Poum Mining Site

The Poum Mining Site, situated in the far northern reaches of New Caledonia, is a major industrial hub and a key driver of the North Province's economy. The region is renowned for its vast nickel deposits, which are extracted through large-scale open-cast mines that have transformed the mountainsides into distinctive red-earthed terraces. These industrial sites offer a striking visual contrast against the backdrop of the pristine Pacific coastline and nearby coral reefs. The facility is equipped with specialized loading docks where the raw ore is directly transferred onto large bulk carriers for international export. For the local Kanak communities, the mines represent the primary source of employment and have led to significant improvements in local infrastructure. While primarily an economic site, the sheer scale of the mining operations in such a remote and beautiful geographical setting makes it a notable landmark for understanding the industrial heritage and future of New Caledonia.

Nearby cities

Dumbéa

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

Kone Economic Pole

Kone has developed into the primary economic hub of the North Province.

Koné

Koné is the capital of the North Province and a vital center for the nickel industry in the north.

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.

Koumac

Koumac is a key service center in the far north of the main island, Grande Terre.

Koumac Old Village

A historic mining and agricultural center in the north.

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.

Pouembout

Pouembout is a growing town in the North Province, closely linked to the development of Koné.

Voh Pioneer History

Famous for the 'Heart of Voh', the commune also has a rich history of coffee farming and early European settlement.

Voh

Voh is a northern commune world-famous for a natural heart shape within its mangroves.

History & landmarks

Koné City Hall

The city hall of Koné is the administrative center of the North Province of New Caledonia.

More places

Ouvéa

Ouvéa is a stunning coral atoll in the Loyalty Islands featuring a 25-kilometer long sandy beach.

Bélep

Bélep is a remote archipelago in the far north of New Caledonia with a rich fishing tradition.

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Poum Church

The northernmost church on the main island of Grande Terre serves the small community in the Poum region.

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Poum Historical Mining

The northern tip of the island, where mining history was shaped by the extraction of copper and other minerals.