The Ministry of Mines and Madagascar's Gold Central are raising awareness among local stakeholders about sector regulations and precious metal traceability. Mihary Ratsimbazafy, general director of the Central de l'Or de Madagascar (COM), during exchanges with gold sector actors in Antanimbary.
As part of its policy of engagement with communities in the mining sector, the Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Central de l'Or de Madagascar (COM), continued its field operations in the rural commune of Antanimbary, Betsiboka region. Officials, accompanied by the Regional Directorate of Mines of Betsiboka, met with local gold sector actors to strengthen their understanding of applicable rules and procedures.
Artisanal operators and gold collectors received detailed explanations about their rights and obligations. Gold traceability was also central to the discussions. COM officials emphasized the importance of monitoring gold circulation, which falls under their responsibilities, to promote transactions within the legal framework.
This meeting followed the authorization of gold trading posts, empowered to collect precious metal throughout Madagascar, export it, and supply the Central Bank of Madagascar. In this context, COM officials stressed the need for close collaboration between collectors and trading posts. This cooperation should facilitate the sale and circulation of gold through legal channels while strengthening exchanges among sector actors.
Antanimbary is also home to several mining permit holders. Some artisanal operators use dredges for gold extraction. Officials reminded participants that equipment use must comply with applicable conditions and regulations.
Discussions also covered royalty and tax payments on mining products. The laissez-passer, a document guaranteeing legal gold circulation for collectors, was also explained. Operators and collectors presented the realities and difficulties they face in their field activities.
A follow-up phase is planned for the following week with the integration of gold collectors into the legal system. The Regional Directorate of Mines of Betsiboka, in collaboration with COM representatives in Maevatanàna, will oversee this operation.
Subsequently, a system for collecting royalties and specific taxes on mining products at source will be established in the field. The goal is to facilitate payment of financial obligations, strengthen monitoring of gold circulation, and further integrate gold trade into the legal circuit.
The mayor of the rural commune of Antanimbary also actively participated in this meeting alongside officials and local gold sector actors. This approach also allows authorities to directly gather concerns from local stakeholders and clarify necessary procedures for conducting activities in compliance with applicable provisions in the gold sector in Antanimbary.
Lucia Rabarijaona