New Caledonian ore is processed locally in two main forms. Ferronickel, produced by pyrometallurgy at the Vavouto and Doniambo plants, goes into the manufacture of stainless steel — 80% of the global nickel market. Nickel hydroxide cake (NHC), obtained by hydrometallurgy at the Usine du Sud plant, comes as a green powder rich in nickel and cobalt: it is one of the products best suited to the NMC batteries used in electric vehicles.

The industry also valorizes its co-products, such as slag, already used as stabilized backfill, for sandblasting metal parts, or to replace part of the sand in concrete. From raw ore exports to offshore valorization, through local processing and co-products, the pathways to add value are multiple and constantly evolving. Developing local processing means capturing more added value, creating lasting jobs, and diversifying the territory's economy.