The European Commission today signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of New Caledonia establishing a strategic partnership in the field of sustainable raw material value chains.
EU now has 17 signed memoranda of understanding in the field of raw materials, including with Serbia.
New Caledonia, a French overseas territory in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the world’s leading nickel producers, accounting for 3.1 percent of global production in 2024.
The signed document provides for five areas in which the EU and New Caledonia will closely cooperate, including accelerating economic and industrial integration of value chains for critical and other raw materials, according to the European Commission.
Cooperation is also envisaged to ensure that New Caledonia’s mining sector becomes a lever for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This includes sustainable mineral exploitation, including the application of strict environmental, social, and governance standards as set out in EU legislation, agreements, guidelines, and best practices.
The mobilization of support for infrastructure needed for the development of raw material value chains is also planned, taking into account the specific needs of New Caledonia’s energy and transport infrastructure.
The memorandum also provides for strengthening skills development in the value chain and cooperation in research and innovation, including innovative approaches for the closure and rehabilitation of mining sites.
EU and New Caledonia will now work together to put the strategic partnership into practice in consultation with all member states, the European Investment Bank, industry, and partners.
Your perspective is part of the story
Start the discussion and be the first to comment on this story.