Nigeria and France sign MoU to transform mineral value chain

CHANNELS

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Republic of France to promote and diversify the critical mineral value chain in the solid minerals sector

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori.

He said the MoU signing was done by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, 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 read.

“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.”

Tomori said Alake stressed that the ministry would leverage the partnership to open the mining sector to French investors.