One of the world’s most important nickel-mining...

One of the world’s most important nickel-mining centers was the target of sabotage in France’s South Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Police reported almost $3-million damage to conveyor belts, trucks and other equipment. The sabotage delayed the planned reopening of the mine, announced less than 24 hours earlier by visiting French President Francois Mitterrand. The mine was closed for two months by militant Melanesian workers demanding a stronger voice in hiring policy.