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QMM Ilmenite Mine
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The QMM Mine (QIT Madagascar Minerals) is a major mining operation located near Fort-Dauphin in southeastern Madagascar. Majority-owned by Rio Tinto, the mine focuses on extracting ilmenite, a key ore used to produce titanium dioxide. The project encompasses three primary mineral deposits: Mandena, Petriky, and Sainte-Luce, with Mandena being the currently active site. Mining is conducted through dry mining techniques in coastal dunes, where the ore is concentrated on-site before being exported via Port Ehoala. In addition to ilmenite, zircon and monazite are recovered as valuable byproducts. As the mine operates in an ecologically sensitive area, QMM has established extensive biodiversity programs and conservation zones to preserve the unique coastal forest. The mine is the most significant economic driver in the Anosy Region, providing employment and supporting social development programs for the local community.
- Location: Madagascar
- Top sights: Pic Saint Louis · Andranara Park · Tranovato
- Nearby: Tolanaro (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 25 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| Rain mm | 200 | 192 | 207 | 135 | 97 | 60 | 58 | 52 | 49 | 78 | 107 | 156 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The QMM Ilmenite Mine in southeastern Madagascar is a vast extraction area where ilmenite is mined for titanium dioxide production. It plays a major economic role in the region, exporting the mineral worldwide for the paint and plastic industries.
Visiting
The mine is usually not open to the public, as it is an active industrial site. From the coastal road, however, the spoil heaps and processing facilities can be seen in the distance.
Where to view it
A viewpoint on the high ground along the RN12 national road features an overview of the vast open-pit mining area. From Fort Dauphin beach, the mine's coastal infrastructure is also visible, including the loading pier and conveyor systems.
Local products
The mine produces ilmenite concentrate, which is processed into titanium dioxide, a key raw material for paints, plastics, and paper. The mineral is exported in bulk, but no end-consumer products are available locally for purchase.
Active season
Mining operations take place year-round, with higher activity during the dry season from April to October when transport routes are more passable. The processing plants run continuously, though maintenance shutdowns occur during the rainy season.
Nearby
Combine a drive along the coast with a visit to Fort Dauphin National Park or the Lokaro beaches. The town of Fort Dauphin itself provides colonial architecture and local markets as a cultural complement to the industrial tour.
Geography
Facts
- Majority-owned by Rio Tinto
- Extracts ilmenite for titanium
- Primary site is Mandena
- Exports via Port Ehoala
- Recovers zircon as a byproduct
- Major employer in Anosy Region
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town QMM Ilmenite Mine (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can one visit the mine?
No, private area.
What is mined?
Ilmenite.
Economic importance?
Major exporter for the region.
Tourism?
Not a tourist destination.
Nearby?
Fort Dauphin.
QMM Ilmenite Mine: where is it located?
QMM Ilmenite Mine is located in Madagascar.
QMM Ilmenite Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pic Saint Louis, Andranara Park, Tranovato.
QMM Ilmenite Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
QMM Ilmenite Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The QMM Mine (QIT Madagascar Minerals) is a major mining operation located near Fort-Dauphin in southeastern Madagascar.
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