Nigeria, France sign MoU for diversification of solid minerals value chain

Nigeria and France have signed a memoradum of understanding  (MoU) for the diversification of critical value chains in the solid minerals sectors of both countries.

The MoU was signed by both countries on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France, according to a statement on Sunday by Segun Tomori, special assistant on media to Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development.

The agreement was signed by Alake and Benjamin Gallezot, inter-ministerial delegate for critical ores and metals of the Republic of France.

Tomori said both countries agreed to collaborate on research, training, and Franco-Nigerian student 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.

“It also includes the establishment of joint excrative 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.”

The media aide said both countries agreed to adopt international best practices in the execution of projects conceptualised to improve the conditions of the local populace affected by mining whilst placing a premium on transparency.

Tomori said the MOU is expected to open new opportunities for the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned pits in the country through its plan to intervene in environmental rehabilitation and post-mining projects.

“Through regular bilateral and multilateral training, seminars, and events, administrators of institutions in the critical metals sector are expected to improve their capacity to manage the sector’s value chain,” he added.

He also said Alake described the deal as a boost to the federal government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for international competitiveness.

The minister said the ministry would leverage the partnership to open up the mining sector to French investors.