Madagascar has lifted a 16-year moratorium on issuing new mining permits, reopening the sector to fresh investment after years of regulatory suspension. The decision, announced by the government in Antananarivo, allows new licences for most minerals while maintaining restrictions on gold, as detailed in Reuters coverage.
The ban, imposed in 2010 to overhaul mining governance and legislation, had stalled new projects and left about 1,650 permit applications pending with authorities. Industry data cited by Reuters show the prolonged freeze constrained exploration activity despite growing global demand for critical minerals.
Mining remains a cornerstone of Madagascar’s economy, with exports such as nickel, cobalt, graphite and ilmenite driving foreign investment. Mines Minister Carl Andriamparany said licences are essential for companies to operate legally, underscoring the government’s push to revive the sector and restore investor confidence, MarketScreener reported.
Gold was excluded from the policy shift due to persistent regulatory and monitoring challenges. Official figures referenced in the report show just over 13 kilograms of gold were formally declared last year, a stark contrast to the scale of artisanal mining, which authorities say they currently lack the capacity to effectively regulate.
