If you think mining projects are all about shiny exports and job promises, think again. The Base Toliara project in southwestern Madagascar is one of those mega-investments that seems like a good idea on paper — until you start asking real questions.
Understanding Base Toliara in Simple Terms
Base Toliara is a $770 million mining project aimed at extracting ilmenite, zircon, rutile, and monazite — minerals in high demand for things like paint, ceramics, and renewable energy tech. It was initiated by Australia’s Base Resources and is now backed by U.S.-based Energy Fuels. The mine’s lifespan? Somewhere between 33 and 38 years.
The Economic Promise: Big Numbers, Big Hopes
- 4,000 jobs (direct and indirect)
- €5 billion in national benefits (taxes, royalties, infrastructure)
- New roads, schools, hospitals, and local training programs
Sounds great, right? Except… not everyone is buying it.
The Environmental and Health Red Flags
The project threatens 455 hectares of forest, including part of the Mikea Forest — a unique ecosystem home to endangered species and the indigenous Mikea people. Plus, the zircon and monazite being mined? They contain uranium and thorium, both radioactive. Risks of contamination? Very real.
Land Rights? More Like Land Wrongs
Over 20,000 people face expropriation, most of them without formal land titles. Compensation? Minimal or nonexistent. In a country where land is life, this isn’t just a technical issue — it’s survival.
A History of Protest and Suppression
The project was suspended in 2019 after widespread protests and a damning report by Madagascar’s Court of Accounts citing irregularities in permits and local consultations. Activists have been arrested, silenced, and yet they keep going. Because when your home is at risk, you don’t just walk away.
Fast Forward: The Project Is Back On
In late 2024, the government gave Base Toliara the green light again, with a so-called “revised socio-environmental protocol.” But critics say not much has changed — except the PR.
Tax Breaks for Foreign Giants?
Base Toliara is now negotiating tax exemptions and customs advantages under Madagascar’s LGIM law. That means while locals may lose their homes, the mining giant might not even pay full taxes.
A Divided Community
Some local leaders support the project, citing development and jobs. But many farmers, fishermen, and indigenous families fear losing everything — land, water, and peace.
Global Spotlight, Local Struggles
This project is part of the global rush for critical minerals. But who benefits? And who pays the price? Madagascar’s history of weak governance and corruption makes it hard to trust grand promises.
Why This Matters for All of Us
If we’re serious about sustainable development, we must do better than offering radioactive mines and broken promises. The people of Toliara deserve more than being a footnote in someone else’s profit sheet.
I believe Madagascar's future shouldn't be sacrificed in the name of "progress." Let’s keep the conversation honest, informed, and above all — fair.