France Stresses Global Cooperation On Critical Minerals Ahead Of Washington Ministerial

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) — The inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, United States, on February 4 will include discussions with countries beyond the G7 core group and focus on fostering international cooperation to diversify and secure the critical minerals supply chain.

The French Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supply, Benjamin Gallezot, said that although global economic competition is inevitable, cooperation in value chain diversification based on shared values is vital.

“And we will run the G7 in that spirit. We don't want to exclude anyone,” he told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday.

France holds the G7 presidency in 2026, succeeding Canada. The February 4 meeting, hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will focus on diversifying and strengthening supply chains for critical minerals.

Gallezot noted that France had already participated in a Treasury-level meeting in Washington on January 12, alongside French Economy Minister Roland Lescure.

“We will also try to associate the mining and metallurgical industries and the financial sector, in order to bring more capital into the activities of strategic minerals and networks,” he said.

Gallezot, who is also adviser to the French President on Strategic Minerals and Metals, emphasised that critical minerals are crucial for the energy transition.

He predicted that electrification, the core of the energy transition, will drive higher demand for electric motors and their essential parallel magnets, making smooth trade and sufficient supply crucial for an uninterrupted energy transition.

“From France’s perspective, it is very important to develop this cooperation, which is why they are working with 20 countries” he said. 

-- BERNAMA