An anthropologist and research director in New Caledonia, Pierre-Yves Le Meur, discusses the political and social implications of the mining industry in the archipelago. The economy of New Caledonia is heavily reliant on nickel mining, which has been a part of the region for 150 years. Many young people living in mining communities see their future in the mines, with the promise of decent salaries, sometimes neglecting to consider other possibilities. The mining and metallurgical sector, which accounts for 20% of employment in New Caledonia, is not just an economic player but also a social and political issue, as it has increasingly employed Kanak labor over the years.
The mines have created long-term employment trajectories for Kanak workers since the 1960s, with policies aimed at balancing the workforce playing a role in this transformation. The employment model has evolved, with Kanak workers now serving as equipment operators, construction workers around the mines, site rehabilitation personnel, and even middle to senior level executives with university degrees. The sector has also seen a rise in female workers, making up 30% of the workforce in some areas. As a result, a Kanak bourgeoisie has emerged from the mining industry, with these communities also gaining political and economic rights post-colonialism in the 1950s and 1960s.
Despite advancements in education and employment within Kanak communities, the average standard of living for Kanak people remains lower than that of other ethnic groups in New Caledonia. Statistics show significant disparities in poverty levels and median incomes, although there is also a segment of poor white population. In predominantly Kanak coastal communities, the median income is only 40% of that in Nouméa, the capital. Overall, socio-economic inequalities in New Caledonia are much higher than in mainland France, with Kanak communities still facing economic challenges compared to other groups.
The discrepancies in educational attainment and income are particularly evident in the Loyalty Islands, where colonization was less severe, and average education levels are higher. Kanak residents of the Loyalty Islands are overrepresented among managerial positions in mining companies. Despite progress in educational opportunities and employment within Kanak communities, there are still challenges to be addressed in terms of economic parity and socio-economic well-being for the Kanak people. The mining industry continues to play a significant role in shaping the social and economic landscape of New Caledonia, posing both opportunities and challenges for the local population.
