RNZ reports after independence in 1980 Ben Kai of Epau village won a court case as the rightful owner of land which was being mined for manganese without his permission.
Mr Kai said during the 1970s he was a driver for the mining operator, LMV, which was owned by a Noumea-based Australian.
He said in 1978 the workers were called to an emergency meeting, paid for their final two weeks' work and told to go home.
He said the owner gave no reason for the company's closure nor did he pay severance money.
