The Manantenina bauxite mining project, located in the Tolagnaro district (Anosy region), has reached a new milestone. Picadilly Management Limited has been selected following an international call for tenders. Out of seven companies that expressed interest, three reached the final phase. The selected operator must now negotiate the mining specifications with the State and complete the necessary administrative and regulatory procedures to obtain all required exploitation permits.
The Manantenina deposit is estimated at approximately 165 million tonnes of bauxite, with extraction forecasts reaching up to 20 million tonnes per year. The ore has an alumina content of about 41%, a key raw material for aluminum production.
The project also includes a local processing component. In accordance with new mining legislation, at least 30% of the extracted bauxite must be converted into alumina on-site to increase the value added within the national territory before export.
These financial benefits represent a major stake for local communities. According to Thierry Mahasoa, Regional Director of Mines for Anosy-Androy, the operation could generate approximately 11 billion ariary in annual revenue for the Manantenina commune. Projections suggest the State will levy a 5% tax on the value of exported products, with 2% going directly to the municipality. However, the exact amount will depend on extraction volumes, export prices, and final agreement terms.
Beyond fiscal aspects, the local population has high hopes for the project. “Local residents are eager to see work begin and to reap the direct benefits,” the regional director noted. While the exact number of jobs to be created has not yet been disclosed, the total investment amount, implementation schedule, and the operator’s social and environmental commitments remain to be formalized.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-02 05:55:49 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/projet-minier-la-bauxite-de-manantenina.html
