The Federal Government of Nigeria and France have entered an agreement aimed at developing joint projects to enhance the value chain of critical minerals in the solid minerals sector. These minerals, including copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements, are vital for clean energy technologies. This collaboration is expected to lead to the remediation of over 2,000 abandoned mining pits in Nigeria, significantly improving safety following recent tragedies involving pit collapses that claimed 65 lives.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during President Bola Tinubu’s official visit to France. It encompasses cooperation in research, training, and student exchanges between France and Nigeria to foster knowledge transfer. Sustainable mining practices will be a priority, with initiatives designed to minimise environmental impacts, including reduced carbon emissions and water consumption.

Furthermore, the partnership involves establishing joint extraction and processing projects, supported by both public and private sector funding. The Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, highlighted that this agreement aligns with the Tinubu administration’s goals to enhance the international competitiveness of the mining sector, attracting French investments.

This agreement between Nigeria and France is strategic, focusing on the critical minerals essential for clean energy, such as lithium and cobalt. With the increasing global emphasis on sustainability in mining practices, the partnership is poised to address the pressing issues of environmental degradation and safety in mining operations. Recent mining disasters in Nigeria highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and community-focused initiatives, making this agreement particularly timely and significant for both nations.

The collaboration between Nigeria and France marks a crucial step towards advancing the solid minerals sector while ensuring sustainable practices and safety improvements. The MoU paves the way for enhanced research, training, and investments, contributing to the local economy and addressing critical environmental concerns. This partnership exemplifies international cooperation aimed at fostering innovation and sustainability in the mining industry.

Original Source: punchng.com

The post Nigeria and France Collaborate on Sustainable Mining Initiatives first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria and France have formalised a partnership to enhance their mining sectors through a Memorandum of Understanding. Signed during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to France, the agreement aims to advance projects related to critical minerals essential for clean energy, such as lithium and cobalt. It seeks to address the remediation of abandoned mining sites and includes collaboration on research and training for skills transfer between the two nations. Moreover, the deal promotes sustainable mining practices to mitigate environmental impacts and improve local community conditions.

Critical minerals are increasingly vital for developing technologies that support clean energy solutions. Recent incidents in Nigeria, including fatal mining pit collapses, have highlighted the urgent need for better regulatory practices and resource management in the sector. This agreement represents a strategic move to attract foreign investment, bolster the skills of the local workforce, and ensure the mining practices adopted are both sustainable and beneficial to local communities.

The partnership between Nigeria and France marks a significant step towards revitalising Nigeria’s mining industry. By focusing on sustainable practices and skill development, this collaboration aims to ensure the responsible extraction of critical minerals and improve the livelihood of communities impacted by mining. The commitment to international best practices underscores the importance of transparency and sustainability in these ventures.

Original Source: economicconfidential.com

The post Nigeria and France Join Forces to Enhance Mining Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.