The Nigerian government has signed an MoU with France for joint mining projects focusing on critical minerals essential for clean energy. The agreement aims to remediate abandoned mining sites and promote sustainable practices while facilitating knowledge transfer through educational exchanges.
The Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France aimed at collaborative mining projects. This agreement focuses on critical minerals essential for clean energy, such as copper and lithium, and seeks to revitalize over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria. The MoU will also facilitate exchanges between Franco-Nigerian students and implement sustainable mining practices aimed at reducing environmental impacts.
The collaboration, signed during President Tinubu’s official visit to France, includes commitments to co-finance joint extractive and processing projects. It emphasises applying international best practices to improve the socio-economic conditions of those affected by mining activities. The parties aim to enhance skill sets within the critical metals sector through training initiatives and knowledge transfer, fundamentally repositioning Nigeria’s mining sector for global competitiveness, according to Minister Dr Dele Alake.
The partnership between Nigeria and France comes at a time when clean energy technologies increasingly rely on critical minerals. These resources, including nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are crucial for technologies that support climate goals and sustainable energy. This initiative aims not only to exploit these resources responsibly but also to address the dire safety concerns in Nigeria’s mining sector, highlighted by recent tragedies involving mining collapses.
In conclusion, the MoU signed between Nigeria and France represents a significant step towards improving the country’s mining sector through sustainable practices and international cooperation. By revitalising abandoned sites and focusing on training and knowledge exchange, both nations aim to enhance the effectiveness and safety of mining operations, thereby empowering local communities and attracting foreign investment.
Original Source: saharareporters.com