Base of Australia Sees Madagascar Ilmenite Output Starting 2021

MADAGASCAR (Capital Markets in Africa) – Base Resources Ltd. said it expects to start output at a mineral-sands project in Madagascar on schedule in three years, and sees no threat of delay from protests by residents.

The West Perth, Australia-based company expects to start production of ilmenite, which is used to manufacture pigments used in paint, at Toliara Sands on the Indian Ocean island in late 2021, it said in an emailed response to questions on Wednesday.

The project in southwestern Madagascar has faced protests by residents concerned that mining the mineral sands at Toliara may be a source of radioactivity and deforestation, L’Express de Madagascar reported on Tuesday.

“It is not anticipated that protests will delay the start of planned operations.” the company said. “The Toliara Sands Project has been under development for almost 20 years under various owners and this lack of progress has frustrated the community at times.”

Base acquired Toliara Sands earlier this year. Construction of a mine at the site is expected to start next year, it said.

Source: Bloomberg Business News