The Ministry of Mines and the Madagascar Gold Center (COM) are raising awareness among local stakeholders regarding industry regulations and the traceability of the precious metal.
As part of its policy to engage more closely with the mining sector’s population, the Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Madagascar Gold Center (COM), continued its field visits in the rural commune of Antanimbary, in the Betsiboka region. Officials, accompanied by the Betsiboka Regional Directorate of Mines, met with local gold industry stakeholders to strengthen their understanding of the rules and procedures to be followed.
Artisanal miners and gold collectors received further explanations regarding their rights and obligations. Gold traceability was also at the heart of the discussions. COM officials reiterated the importance of monitoring gold circulation, which is part of their mandate, to promote transactions within the legal framework.
This meeting follows the authorization of gold counters, which are empowered to collect the precious metal across Madagascar, export it, and supply the Central Bank of Madagascar. In this context, COM officials emphasized the need for close collaboration between collectors and gold counters. This cooperation is intended to facilitate the sale and circulation of gold within the legal circuit while strengthening exchanges between the various actors in the sector.
Antanimbary also has several holders of mining permits. Some artisanal miners use dredges for gold extraction. Officials reminded them that the use of such equipment must comply with the conditions and rules in force.
The discussions also covered the payment of royalties and specific taxes on mining products. The ‘laissez-passer’ (transit permit), a document guaranteeing the legal circulation of gold for collectors, was also explained. For their part, operators and collectors presented the realities and difficulties encountered in their field activities.
A new phase is planned for the following week, focusing on integrating gold collectors into the legal system. The Betsiboka Regional Directorate of Mines, in collaboration with COM representatives in Maevatanàna, will be responsible for leading this operation. Subsequently, a system for collecting royalties and specific taxes on mining products at the source is to be implemented on the ground to facilitate financial compliance and strengthen the monitoring of gold circulation.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-20 05:54:53 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/antanimbary-letat-formalise.html
