COUNTRY IN FOCUS • completed 464 auger holes, totalling 4 027m, at its 100 %-owned Andapa graphite project. This exploration work focussed on regolith-hosted, weathered( saprolite), graphite mineralisation. The company also holds the Graphmada Graphite project, which is on care and maintenance.
Evion is also engaged with the Maniry Graphite Project in the Atsimo-Andrefana region. The project has advanced with metallurgical studies, producing plant flowsheets and general project infrastructure designs.
The future The future of mining in Madagascar looks promising, with potential for significant growth due to the country ' s substantial mineral deposits. Precious stones like sapphires, as well as nickel, cobalt, graphite and gold, which are in high global demand are of particular interest. The key, however, lies in responsible development with a focus on environmental protection and community engagement, facilitated by the recent updates to Madagascar ' s mining code aimed at attracting foreign investment while safeguarding local interests. •
Dr Nicolaas C Steenkamp is an independent consultant, specialising in geological, geotechnical and geometallurgical projects and mining project management. He has over two decades of industry experience with global exposure. ncs. contract @ gmail. com
Supplied by Dr Nicolaas C Steenkamp
Word on the ground: KiBOKO( Swahili for“ Hippo”) is a boutique advisory firm, headed up by Joe van Wyk and Tim Raymond. KiBOKO is focused on promoting and developing a diversified portfolio of mining projects in Madagascar, centred around gold, with graphite and other critical minerals forming a big part of their Madagascan strategy. The portfolio is designed to capitalise on the growing global demand for stable financial assets, as well as critical minerals aimed at the global energy transition mandate.
According to Van Wyk, Madagascar possesses significant, yet largely untapped, gold mining potential. The island ' s geological composition, particularly its Archaean and Proterozoic terrains, is conducive to hosting various types of gold deposits, including mesothermal lode-gold systems. Historically, much of the gold production has stemmed from artisanal and small-scale mining of alluvial deposits, indicating the widespread presence of gold. However, organised, large-scale industrial gold exploitation has been limited. This suggests that substantial undiscovered primary gold deposits may exist, offering considerable opportunities for future exploration and development.
Van Wyk also adds that Madagascar, in its totality, presents a compelling landscape for mining ventures. The island is rich in mineral resources, boasting world-class deposits of graphite, gold, nickel, and cobalt. This geological wealth, together with the recent advances made by the government in their mining law and FDI( Foreign Direct Investment) framework, positions Madagascar as a potentially important player in the global supply precious metals and critical minerals.
www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • May 2025 • 19