Belgium signed a deal with NATO in the Hague on Tuesday, concerning essential raw materials for weaponry and munitions, the Belga News Agency reports.
As Minister of Defence Théo Francken emphasised, the agreement will help foster collaboration and research between the parties in tackling future challenges and managing stockpiles.
"At the end of last year, NATO published a list of 12 rare raw materials essential to the modern economy and defence industry," added Francken. "Globally, superpowers are engaged in a supply race, with China currently leading the way. A joint NATO response to this problem has been found just in time."
The deal has benefits for both sides. NATO can refine the capacities of its member states and the strategic assessment of the ammunition with a supply chain that benefits from institutions such as universities and banks. It is an efficient way to stockpile materials amongst the allies, while developing a safe contingency plan for the event of a war intervention.
Belgium is said to be benefiting economically, according to Francken, who named cobalt, nickel and rare earths among the valuable minerals Belgium can now recycle via Belgian-French tech company Umicore.
