Illegal exploitation of ilmenite: Mainland Mining must cease its activities

The company, Mainland Mining SARLU, must immediately cease all its activities, such was the decision taken during the Government Council yesterday. And according to some sources, the company has agreed to comply with this decision. The reason for this decision stems from the findings of the Vatovavy Fitovinany region authorities of installation works undertaken by the company Mainland Mining on the exploitation site, while it has no yet earned an environmental permit.

It is to be recalled that Mainland Mining SARLU holds 22 exploration permits since November 2010, following an international tender for the exploration of ilmenite and its derivatives, launched in 2008. Because of the evolution of the current situation, an ad hoc committee was set up to monitor and control the execution what are contained in the contract documents which were agreed between the company and the current authority. It is good to note that the contract documents outline the commitments and obligations of the company financially, technically, socially and environmentally as well as in terms of infrastructure. In order to follow the case closely, a visit of the site is to be scheduled shortly.