Mining

The Treasure Island

The geological situation of Madagascar indicates that there is still massive mining potential yet to be explored and exploited. However, Madagascar already exports mining products to Japan, Sweden, China, India, North America and Western Europe.

Diversity of mineral resources in Madagascar

Gem stones Industrial and Decorative stones Metals Diamond Quartz Gold Emerald Crystal Iron Ruby Graphite Chrome iron Saphir Gypsum Uranium Beryl Labradorite Titanium Garnet Marble Copper

Succesful projects

Ambatovy

The largest mining project ever carried out in Madagascar is a US $3.3 billion investment in the exploitation of nickel and cobalt in Ambatovy (on the east coast of Madagascar) by Sheritt International. The rated annual capacity is estimated at 60,000 tons of nickel, 5,600 tons of cobalt and roughly 190,000 tons of ammonium sulphate.

Taolagnaro

Another successful project carried out in the South East of Madagascar involves Qit Madagascar Minerals (QMM S.A.) of the Rio Tinto group for the exploitation of Ilmenite. It is expected that exports will begin towards the end of 2008.

This sector has bright prospects, as a number of important projects are in the pipeline in various parts of the country which include petroleum (west), coal (south) and bauxite (south).