The Economic and Social Impacts of Mining in Madagascar

This research is concerned with the impacts of Large-Scale Mining (LSM) in Madagascar.

This research is concerned with the impacts of Large-Scale Mining (LSM) in Madagascar. The country has colossal mineral deposits but is one of the poorest countries in the world. After ten years of industrial mining, the ‘Great Island’ is at a turning point with its current mining projects being scaled-up and its new classification as a “resource-rich” country. Evidence suggests that having mineral resources can either be a blessing or a curse to a country and its people. This study contributes to the literature by examining the economic and social impacts of LSM in Madagascar. It does so at the national, provincial and household levels. The study also uses mixed methods combining the analysis of secondary data with the analysis of new primary data from household surveys and interviews. The outcomes will contribute to inform policy development to maximise the development impacts of industrial mining in the future. The project contributes all SDGS but in particular to to SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure, SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 15 (life on land).

Project timeline: 2018 - 2020

Key contributors: Agathe Randrianarisoa, Simon FeenySefa Churchill, and Mireille Razafindrakoto (Paris Dauphine University)

This project addresses the following Sustainable Development Goals and Targets:

sustainable development goal 3 icon good health and wellbeing

3.7 By 2030, ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including for family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes 

3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all 

3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination

sustainable development goal 8 icon decent work and economic growth

8.1 Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 per cent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries 

8.2 Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors 

8.3 Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services 

8.4 Improve progressively, through 2030, global resource efficiency in consumption and production and endeavour to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation, in accordance with the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production, with developed countries taking the lead 

8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value 

sustainable development goal 9 icon industry, innovation and infrastructure

9.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries 

9.a Facilitate sustainable and resilient infrastructure development in developing countries through enhanced financial, technological and technical support to African countries, least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States

sustainable development goal 12 icon responsible consumption and production

12.1 Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries

12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources 

12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle

sustainable development goal 15 icon life on land

15.1 By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements 

15.2 By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally 

15.5 Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.