France, Oct. 20 -- The memorandum of understanding, signed in New Caledonia's capital Noumea, sets out cooperation on raw materials, cleaner production and investment, as Brussels seeks to diversify the supply of minerals essential to European industry.

European Commission executive vice-president Stephane Sejourne signed the agreement alongside New Caledonia's President Milakulo Tukumuli and Alcide Ponga, the government member responsible for nickel.

Addressing the territory's Congress on Monday, Sejourne said New Caledonia could become "a pillar" of Europe's effort to diversify its nickel supplies, particularly by forging closer links with the battery sector.

He said the partnership would be "non-exclusive" and would not require the ...