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The lightest of all metals, it is a key element needed for low-carbon technologies
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A long-life, low-cost and low-carbon lithium source
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QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), near Fort Dauphin in the Anosy region of south-eastern Madagascar, produces ilmenite – a major source of titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is predominantly used as a white pigment in products such as paints and paper.
QMM also produces zirsill, used to make ceramic tiles and electronics, and monazite, a rare earth mineral used in renewable energy technologies, such as high-power permanent magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicles.
QMM includes the deep-water public Port of Ehoala, from which the products are shipped to the Rio Tinto Iron and Titanium (RTIT) Quebec Operations plant in Canada and to customers around the world. The port serves as an important socioeconomic development asset for the south part of Madagascar.
QMM is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (80%) and the Government of Madagascar (20%).
In 2023, we renewed our partnership with the Government of Madagascar, extending our relationship and with it, our opportunity to sustainably operate and work alongside the people of Madagascar.
QMM's vision is to be a pioneer of sustainable mining in Madagascar.
From the beginning of our operations in 2008, our work has centred around environmental conservation, sustainability and longevity, with a community-first focus.
We aim to leave a sustainable legacy built on 3 pillars: decarbonisation, protecting the environment, and community development.
QMM currently provides access to subsidised electricity to the town of Fort Dauphin, which has around 80,000 residents, through our partnership with JIRAMA, the national electricity company. To achieve our ambitious carbon neutrality goal, we partnered with CrossBoundary Energy in 2021 to provide at least 20 megawatts of renewable energy to our operations and Fort Dauphin. This project combines a 14-megawatt solar plant, which is now operational, and Madagascar's first wind turbine facility, expected to be completed in 2025. Once operational, it will provide 60% of QMM’s power and reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 26,000 tonnes.
We operate in a highly valued ecosystem in Madagascar, and recognise our responsibility to effectively mitigate the impact of our operations. We have environmental and social obligations to fulfil as part of our mining license and environmental permits. We use the mitigation hierarchy – a well-established method to address biodiversity risks – to ensure that we effectively manage our risks and impacts on the areas where we work. Steps include avoidance, minimisation, restoration and offset.
We are also focusing on nature-based solutions in Madagascar, as we believe in their potential to halt and reverse nature loss, support positive, sustainable change for communities, and address climate change.
QMM aims to support the resilience and long-term productivity of farmers by promoting sustainable farming practices and distributing farming supplies, including fertiliser and seeds, to 10,000+ farmers. QMM is also investing in education through showcase sites and practical learning spaces for farmers, and refurbishing the Lycée Agricole (Agricultural High School) to help develop sustainable farming practices. “Before this aid, the supply of seeds and fertilisers was a real challenge for us,” Kazy Tiana Emma Jocelyne, a rice farmer in Ampasy Nahampoana, said. “Today, thanks to QMM, we have access to agricultural inputs, which will not only improve our rice production, but will also help to increase our income and ensure food security for our families.”
As responsible stewards of the land, we know that the water we share with communities and ecosystems surrounding our operation is a precious resource. We carefully manage the quality and quantity of the water we use and return to the environment. This means balancing the needs of our operations with those of local communities and local ecosystems.
As part of our Rainy Season Release Readiness program, we’re working to improve water management activities on site at QMM, including our ability to measure more accurately and improve the quality of our process water through a water treatment plant.
Learn more about our water management at QMM
In 2023, we published the findings of a comprehensive independent community radiation study undertaken from 2019-2022 by Australian experts JBS&G. The study showed that local food sources, water, air and dust are safe from a radiological perspective.
As part of the ongoing monitoring program, JBS&G undertook a monitoring cycle in 2024, with results to be communicated in 2025.
In alignment with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), Rio Tinto has disclosed detailed information on global tailings facilities rated Very High or Extreme under GISTM classifications. QMM facilities are managed under the same commitments, and are not classified as Very High or Extreme. QMM is scheduled to comply with GISTM by August 2025.
Read more about tailings management
QMM protects 10% of primary forest within our mining lease area, and begins rehabilitation and reforestation progressively after mining of an area is completed. Since 2010, we have rehabilitated more than 903 hectares of forest within our mining lease, 2,172 hectares reforested outside the mining site, and planted 100 hectares of mangroves in Petriky and 100 hectares of native species in the south of the Tsitongambarika protected zone. QMM has set up 3 IUCN Category V Protected Areas within its mining perimeter: 430 hectares in Mandena, 2,095 hectares in Ambatoatsinanana Sainte Luce and 300 hectares in Petriky. Outside the 3 protected areas, we are funding the preservation of 9,000 hectares of conservation zones as biodiversity offsets.
After years of reforestation in the mining area of Mandena, we’ve dedicated a plot of rehabilitated land for charcoal production, helping to reduce illegal logging and pressure on surrounding forests, including protected areas. In 2023, we started working with charcoal producers from the rural municipalities of Ampasy-Nahampoana and Mandromondromotra to encourage communities to take responsibility for helping to protect natural forest. Since the beginning of the project, 120 households produced 25,000 bags of charcoal by the end of 2024, with a noticeable decrease in theft and vandalism of wood in the rehabilitation area. The aim is for the rehabilitation plots to be transferred to the communities to manage, to enable a constant and controlled supply of wood for charcoal production for the communities to use.
As part of our global portfolio of nature-based solutions projects, which complement our decarbonisation programs, we’re focusing on reforestation, clean cooking and conservation activities in Madagascar. Some examples include:
At QMM, we aim to be an active partner with local businesses and organisations to support economic and regional development.
QMM’s vision to be a pioneer in sustainable mining in Madagascar includes a commitment to leaving a lasting, sustainable legacy for current and future generations – one that extends beyond the mine itself – by contributing to the economic development of host communities and the region.
QMM’s local supplier development program aims to increase its spending with local suppliers from host communities. In 2023, the 12-month program saw 3 businesses selected to receive managerial and technical training, and dedicated assistance in securing financing. They will continue to strengthen their skills with support delivered throughout 2025. One of the program’s businesses, Danny Creation (pictured), has employed 20 people and produces more than 5,000 QMM work uniforms locally in Fort Dauphin, through a collaboration with another local supplier. Another program beneficiary, Soalia Sarl, has employed 11 people and begun producing 30,000 plastic self-locking pieces, contributing not only to local supply but also to the sustainable management of plastic waste generated by QMM. A second cohort of new businesses will begin in 2025.
As part of our mining infrastructure and in collaboration with the Government of Madagascar and World Bank, we have developed the Port of Ehoala - a public port where Anosy-region goods are exported and essential goods are imported, including emergency aid to fight drought and famine in Southern Madagascar. We’re also working with the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM), Agence Portuaire Maritime et Fluviale (APMF), Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the Comité Consultatif des Usagers et Opérateurs du Port (CCUOP), to enhance the Port to not only support our business, but the region, with ship services, cargo services, dockside bunkering and welcoming cruise liners to boost Fort Dauphin’s economy.
We continue to assist the Government of Madagascar to fund critical road rehabilitation projects which facilitate the movement of people and supplies.
In March 2025, the Malagasy Government and Rio Tinto formalised a joint investment of 94 billion Ariary ($20 million) for the rehabilitation of National Highway 13 (RN13). This project is part of a partnership established in 2023 aimed at strengthening national infrastructure and stimulating the local economy. The government committed to invest $12 million in this road project, and Rio Tinto will also contribute up to $8 million according to agreed milestones. At the signing ceremony, the Minister of Mines, Olivier Herindrainy Rakotomalala said, "This rehabilitation project shows the strength of our public-private partnership. It is geared towards a prosperous future for Madagascar and highlights the importance of the mining sector in building critical infrastructure.”
Does QMM activities generate radiation above World Health Organization guidelines?
No. To enhance transparency and address community concerns, QMM commissioned international environmental experts JBS&G Australia Pty Ltd (JBS&G) to complete a comprehensive independent community study of radiation at QMM. The study, published in September 2023, showed local food sources, water, air and dust are safe from a radiological perspective. The study is one of the most comprehensive of its type ever undertaken and was commissioned as one of a number of steps QMM is taking to reinforce international best practices and standards in monitoring its environmental impacts, and the impacts on host communities.
Is QMM water management inadequate, which then leads to berm incidents and non-compliant water being released into the natural environment?
QMM’s water facilities meet the Rio Tinto internal Standards for Management of Tailings and Water Storage Facilities and Slope Geotechnical Hazards. The integrity of the berm system in place is continuously checked and improved where necessary. Work is underway for QMM to comply with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) standard by August 2025. Since commissioning the water treatment pilot plant in 2022 and implementing the permanent full-scale treatment in March 2024, QMM has treated close to 10 million cubic metres of process water before releasing it into the receiving environment. Operation of the water treatment plant has seen a year-on-year increase in the ratio of treated water to total water released from 16% in 2022, to 51% in 2023 and 71% in 2024.
The water treatment plant removes on average around 95% of the dissolved aluminium concentration within the process water, and consistently maintains a pH above the national decree of between 6 and 9, prior to release into the receiving environment.
We continue to maximise the use of the water treatment plant as part of our water management system, adjusting according to rainfall and paddock inventory storage.
In 2022, did QMM water released into the natural environment lead to fish deaths?
Following 3 cyclones and heavy rainfall in Fort Dauphin in early 2022, a controlled water release, authorised by the Malagasy regulator (ANDEA and Office National de I’Environnement), was carried out at QMM to mitigate against a possible breach of our dam infrastructure and an uncontrolled incident that could have significantly impacted the environment surrounding our operation. This release, while it minimised environmental risks, raised concerns from our host community members who witnessed fish deaths in the bodies of water surrounding the mine. Following these concerns, QMM, together with the regulator, undertook a series of water sample analyses, in addition to ongoing release water monitoring. These showed no significant change to the water quality in the receiving natural environment, and no conclusive link between our mine activities and the observed dead fish by community members. QMM commissioned a further study, led by the Water Research Group (WRG), an independent South African environmental research centre. WRG concluded that the 2022 fish deaths were unlikely to be caused by any of the metals concentrations in fish. However, based on the available data, WRG were not able to identify the cause of the fish deaths. WRG explained that fish deaths are usually determined to be the result of multiple factors and recommended additional monitoring and assessment be conducted in order to better understand aquatic life in the environment surrounding QMM’s operations. Independent experts WSP Canada Inc have been engaged to undertake a receiving environment assessment that aims to expand our understanding of aquatic health in the surrounding environment and enhance the existing monitoring program.
Does QMM refuse to publish water data?
No. QMM is under the obligation to publish a report to its regulator, the Office National de l’Environnement (ONE), the content of which is discussed annually with the government monitoring committee. The ONE organises public sessions on key findings and recommendations. In addition, QMM has published multiple studies that assess QMM’s potential impact on people and the environment, so far showing no concerns. These studies include QMM’s Water Reports and JBS&G community radiation study. Beyond our Water Reports, we understand that we need to share information transparently with host communities so that they are aware of and understand our water management strategy and approach.
Over 2024, QMM hosted more than 500 local stakeholders at site and met with over 2,000 community members as part of a series of mobile community kiosks, to enable QMM leaders to directly engage with communities and listen to concerns.
Is water in the communities not safe for drinking due to QMM’s water management?
Upstream of the Mandena mine, surface water does not meet the criteria for potable water and therefore QMM’s water management does not aim to produce potable water either. Instead, it aims to achieve regulatory criteria, in the event that QMM needs to release site water into the receiving environment to maintain the water management system within approved inventory levels at site. However, we are committed to playing our part in helping host communities to have access to potable water. Over the last 2 years, we have financed the rehabilitation and construction of 4 potable water stations in the 3 communes neighbouring the mine, with 30 distribution points. As part of the fiscal agreement between the Government of Madagascar and Rio Tinto announced in August 2023, QMM committed to increase support for local communities to $4 million per year over 25 years, with half to be spent locally, and half in the region. QMM’s community development projects are designed in collaboration with communities, consistent with regional and national development plans, and approved by the Malagasy Government. A key project commencing in 2025 is the rehabilitation of the state-owned Lanirano water station, supplying water to the town of Fort Dauphin, for a budget of $1.2 million. The community development program also includes projects that help to restore potable water fountains in the 3 communes neighbouring the mine.
Was the grievance process undertaken in 2022 not compliant with international standards and violated human rights?
The community tensions in Fort Dauphin in early 2022 were an aspect of a very challenging situation that required a rapid response from all parties. In addition to short-term measures taken by QMM to respond to the fishing ban, including emergency food deliveries to over 7,000 affected households, a tripartite process was initiated between the government, QMM and community representatives and led to an agreed community grievance process in May 2022.
A total of 8,778 claims were considered in the tripartite process, with over 5,000 eligible individuals receiving compensation from QMM by March 2023. Claimants were organised in 3 main categories: fisherfolk, natural resource users and land claimants. Compensation was agreed with claimant representatives, following a negotiation process, and based on the cumulative impact of QMM's operations for each specific group deemed eligible since operations began. Land claimants were deemed not eligible and managed by a separate process between the land claimants and the authorities. Compensation payments for eligible complainants were completed in March 2023.
The process was voluntary and publicised within affected communities including on local radio. Negotiations took place with representatives of fisherfolk and natural resource users, in the presence of 2 observers and a jointly appointed mediator. The representatives of the various groups were to keep the communities informed of developments. Throughout the process, QMM made resources available to all parties to fund external experts.
What is QMM’s community development contribution?
As part of the fiscal agreement between the Government of Madagascar and Rio Tinto announced in August 2023, QMM committed to increase support for local communities to $4 million per year over 25 years, with half to be spent locally, and half in the region. We are prioritising delivering meaningful and tangible benefits to the community, with the aim to make a sustainable difference to the economic and social development of the country. Following several community engagements, the list of projects was submitted to the representatives of the Government of Madagascar and approved by the Council of Ministers in September 2024, in accordance with the provisions of the fiscal agreement. QMM is working with partners to roll out the 2024-2025 program. Key projects include improving sustainable livelihood practices in agriculture and the blue economy, rural electrification, support for education and health care, and helping the people of Fort Dauphin receive improved infrastructure to access potable water. Key projects already delivered include:
FORT DAUPHIN, Madagascar -- International environmental experts, JBS&G Australia Pty Ltd (JBS&G), have completed a comprehensive independent community study of radiation at the Rio Tinto QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) mine in Fort Dauphin, Southern Madagascar, which concluded that there is no need for heightened health concerns around local radiation levels.The analysis received on the five
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar -- Rio Tinto and the Government of Madagascar have reached agreement on the future fiscal arrangements for QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) and renewed their long-term partnership for the sustainable operation of the QMM mine in Fort Dauphin, Madagascar.The new agreement was confirmed by the High Constitutional Court of Madagascar on 8 August 2023 and signed by the parties on
FORT DAUPHIN, Madagascar--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In accordance with the commitments made last July, Rio Tinto QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) and its partner Crossboundary Energy (CBE) today laid the foundation stone for the solar and wind power plant project that will supply the QMM ilmenite mine operations in Fort Dauphin, in southern Madagascar. The ceremony took place in the Ehoala Park area, in
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