The federal government and France have agreed to collaborate on projects to boost and diversify the value chain of key minerals in both nations’ solid mineral sectors.
Copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are all critical minerals for sustainable energy technology.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Segun Tomori, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, the agreement will create new prospects for the repair of over 2,000 abandoned pits across the country.
Recently, at least 65 people sadly died in different mining pit collapse accidents around the country.
In a Memorandum of Understanding signed on the occasion of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France, both countries committed to work on research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student exchanges to transfer knowledge and skills.
The statement read, “A key component of the MOU is the promotion of sustainable mining activities by executing projects and programs that reduce the environmental impact of mining on carbon emissions, water consumption, and climate change.
“It also includes the establishment of joint extractive 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.”
According to the release, Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, signed, while France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Critical Ores and Metals, Mr. Benjamin Gallezot, signed on behalf of the Republic of France.
Both countries agreed to follow worldwide best practices in the implementation of programs designed to enhance the conditions of the local population affected by mining, with a focus on openness.
Administrators of important metals institutions are expected to increase their capacity to manage the sector’s value chain by participating in frequent bilateral and international training, conferences, and events.
