The Nigerian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France to promote and diversify the critical mineral value chain in the solid minerals sector.
The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, said in a statement that the MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France.
“Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies,” the statement said
According to the statement, both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training and Franco-Nigerian students’ exchanges for knowledge and skills transfer.
“A key component of the MOU is the promotion of sustainable mining activities by executing projects and programmes that reduce the environmental impact of mining on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change,” it said.
It added that the Nigerian minister stressed that the ministry would leverage the partnership to open the mining sector to French investors.
“It also includes the establishment of joint execrative and processing projects through co-financing by public and private entities to diversify and secure the supply of critical minerals and decarbonise energy projects critical to the value chain,” it added.
GIK/APA