This is the case off the coast of Wallis and Futuna

After surrendered the land for the benefit of foreign interests, the France wants to develop a real strategy in the mines. In a context of risk of supply on some resources, reflection was launched at the highest level of the State. If it is essentially geostrategic, it could also saddle the scenario for the creation of a French mining hub around groups Eramet and Areva Challenge.

"Nothing is decided, but the State is awareness of the strategic character of mineral resources, according to a source close the record." The question is to know how to reinvest an industrial sector which has been abandoned.

The conjunction of several changes is at the origin of this reflection. The first is rare, these 17 non-ferrous items that have irreplaceable properties. They are found in products as diverse as catalytic converters and particulate filters in the car, but in high technology, such as the flat screens, or defence applications also. Only problem: China plays a leading role in this market by delivering 95,000 tonnes per year, or more than 95 of world production. However China harms its exports, threatening the country buyers.

To a danger of shortage, the Elysee Palace asked the Office of geological and mining research (BRGM) of a working group, involving several French groups, including Areva and Eramet, which studied a project of deposit in Gabon. Objective: establish the State of reserves in the world and see how the France can take part in the large manoeuvres ahead.

The second issue concerns the submarine mineral resources. In the Grenelle sea organized by the Minister of ecology Jean-Louis Borloo, the public authorities have become aware of the potential of French territorial waters, which are the second in the world. With the prices of raw materials, Chinese or Australian mining Giants are applications of offshore licensing to the France. This is the case off the coast of Wallis and Futuna.

Rather than assign to foreigners, the State asked if there is not place to work for French companies. But they have not necessarily skills. Under the auspices of the Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (Ifremer), Technip, Eramet and Areva will make their contribution to studies on marine mineral resources. They relate to metals such as copper, zinc, lead, but also manganese or nickel, and could lead, in the medium or long term pilot projects. "Thinking is on biodiversity and the preemption resources," said a source.

The capital of Eramet in question

This strategic thinking comes the future of the capital of Eramet remains uncertain. AREVA is negotiating the sale of its 25 stake in mining group, with the strategic investment Fund (ISP). Despite months of discussions, the two parties fail to agree on the value. At the time, some wonder if it would be unwise to all flat. Or even create a French mining pole placing activities of Areva in uranium, where it became year last leader, and those of Eramet, active mainly in the nickel and manganese. This project, referred to for years, could be stillborn, as State have recently put pressure on the ISP and Areva that negotiations be concluded.

A further complication however continues to weigh on their discussions: Romain Zaleski, who holds 13 per cent of Eramet, was assigned to justice family Duval, 36 shareholder, accusing him of having inflated the value of its assets at the time of the reconciliation of their alloys Corporation, Aubert & Duval, with Eramet, in July 1999. A hearing is scheduled next Monday.