In 2024, Madagascar was the world's first-ranked producer of mica, accounting for 24% of global production; second-ranked producer of graphite, accounting for 5% of global production; seventh-ranked producer of cobalt (along with the Philippines), accounting for 1% of global production; and eight-ranked producer of ilmenite and zircon, accounting for 3% and 2%, respectively, of global production. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included beryllium, cement, chromium, clays, fertilizers, gemstones, gold, nickel, rare earths, salt, stone, sand, and gravel. Production of mineral commodities contributed an estimated 3.7% to Madagascar’s gross domestic product. Madagascar exported minerals and metals, including chromium, gemstones, graphite, mica, nickel, and titanium mainly to Canada, China, Japan, and Korea. Mineral-related exports to the United States included cement, gemstones, nonferrous metals, nickel, sand, and stone.
The legislative framework for the mineral sector in Madagascar is provided by the Mining Code (law No. 2023-007). The Ministry of Mines oversees the mineral sector and provides regulatory guidance, including the development of state mining policies and enforcement of compliance. Most mineral commodities were produced by private domestic and foreign companies and artisanal small-scale miners.
