TWO police on the French Pacific island colony of New Caledonia were shot and wounded today by protesters against a river chemical spill.

The officers were hit by shotgun pellets fired by protesters blocking a major road near Brazilian mining giant Vale’s £3.6 billion nickel mine.

Southern New Caledonia has been the focus of violence since Saturday, when rioters torched vehicles and buildings near the controversial mine, causing more than £12 million worth of damage.

They have been frustrated by the lack of resistance to the mine and the chemical spill by indigenous Kanak leaders.

“We got to this point because, clearly, part of the local youth, particularly from the southern tribes, rejects the perspective of maintaining the plant in activity, even with the reinforcement of safety procedures,” said New Caledonia southern province president Philippe Michel.

The government suspended operations at the nickel processing plant in Goro three weeks ago after acid-tainted effluent leaked, killing thousands of fish.

It started legal proceedings under its environmental code, but the firm was confident of an early reopening.

“We are expecting a decision by the southern province to partially allow the reopening of the site,” said New Caledonia business organisation Medef director Catherine Wehbe.

The local government had previously said that it would not allow any resumption of production until safety procedures were revised, an oversight committee was reinstated and an independent expert’s report was completed.

“The conversations with the government and community stakeholders continue,” said Vale spokesman Cory McPhee.