Nig, France Sign MoU For Solid Minerals Devt

Nigeria and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, to jointly develop projects aimed at diversifying and promoting the critical minerals value chain in the solid minerals sectors.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori in Abuja.

According to the statement, the collaboration is on research, training, and Franco-Nigerian students exchange to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.

It also says both countries will partner on some minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are essential for clean energy technologies.

According to the statement, the agreement was formalized during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent official visit to France, during which Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake signed on behalf of Nigeria while France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, Mr. Benjamin Gallezot represented France.

It adds that on Sustainable Mining Practices, both nations express commitment to sustainable mining while focusing on reducing the environmental impact of mining activities, carbon emissions, and water consumption, as well as addressing climate change.

The statement explains that both countries agreed on establishing joint extraction and processing projects, co-financed by public and private entities to secure critical mineral supplies and support decarbonization initiatives.

According to the statement, the partnership will address Nigeria’s environmental challenges, including the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits and implementing post-mining projects to restore affected areas.

The deal underscores adherence to international best practices, prioritizing transparency and improving living conditions for local populations impacted by mining.

It emphasizes that through regular bilateral and multilateral seminars, events, and training, the MOU seeks to enhance the capacity of administrators managing the critical metals sector’s value chain.

According to the statement, Dr. Alake describes the partnership as a significant step in repositioning Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for global competitiveness.

He says the collaboration aligns with the Tinubu administration’s agenda to attract foreign investment and improve the sector’s productivity.

“The partnership will not only diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals but also open the sector to French investors, leveraging their expertise and resources to strengthen Nigeria’s mining industry,” Alake notes.

This agreement is expected to advance sustainable development in Nigeria’s mining sector while fostering stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and France.

By Georgina Humphrey