The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of France to promote and diversify the critical mineral value chain in the solid minerals sector.
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.
Segun Tomiri, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development stated thus:
“Critical minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential to clean energy technologies”
“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 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.