Following several blockades on the road leading to the Mandena site, QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) has decided to temporarily suspend its mining operations. However, essential services related to safety and the protection of facilities are being maintained.
QMM announced on August 27, 2026, the temporary suspension of its mining operations at the Mandena site in Tolagnaro, following several weeks of disruptions affecting access to the facilities. According to the company, the difficulties began three weeks prior, repeatedly preventing or complicating access for employees, partners, and contractors. The situation escalated again on August 27 with a third blockade of the access road.
QMM believes these repeated interruptions no longer allow for safe conditions to continue normal mining activities. Consequently, the company has decided to suspend them temporarily. Essential services, however, are not affected; operations necessary for the safety of personnel and the protection of infrastructure will continue during this period.
This decision comes as discussions have been initiated with national and local authorities to allow for a return to normalcy. Despite these efforts, the new blockade on August 27 led the company to suspend operations. QMM reaffirms its commitment to dialogue with all stakeholders and expresses its willingness to support initiatives aimed at restoring traffic around the site.
No resumption date has been announced for the time being. The company has conditioned the restart of its operations on the sustainable restoration of satisfactory security conditions and free movement to and from the Mandena facilities.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-29 05:53:46 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/tolagnaro-qit-minerals-madagascar.html
