Unfortunately, virtually all these records are in French and it isvery difficult to gain access Geologically studied countries in Africa, with several thousand first-class records. This is particularly galling as, until 30 years ago, Madagascar was one of the best Madagascar’s geological records are far more difficult to access than is usual with AfricanĬountries. Although their presenceĬannot be excluded given the current level of knowledge, their occurrence seems unlikely. There is no evidence in Madagascar of sediment-hosted gold deposits, pebble-conglomerateĭeposits, gold-rich porphyry copper deposits or epithermal gold deposits. Gold development of Australia, Canada, Brazil and Ghana. This type account for nearly 20% of world deposits, and are largely responsible for the vigorous Madagascar’s primary gold deposits are thought to be of mesothermal “lode” quartz-hosted type,Īnd they are hosted in Proterozoic or, more frequently, Archean terrains. Production since it began late last century is a highly respectable 70 tonnes. Small syndicates – and mining is largely alluvial. This is a large amount considering that all of it presently comes from “artisan” mining – or very

It runs to approximately 3-4 t/y and “could easily be doubled” (Mining Annual Review – 1995, p 149). Very little is known about the potential gold deposits in Madagascar, but the country’s estimated gold production is far from negligible. Dr Camillo Premoli – International Mineral Resources – Consultants – 1996 GOLD IN MADAGASCARĭr Simon McDonald has purchased Camillo’s extensive files and map collection, including a comprehensive data set for Madagascar.

Suction dredge gold mining theory