🇲🇬 Republic of Madagascar – Mining Projects

(Please read more information about each project below)

Project Status: Completed in 2002
Start Year: 1995
Minerals: Sapphires, Ruby, Zircon, Emerald, Aquamarine, Gold
Mining Type: Alluvial & Hard Rock
Technology: DOVE EXPLORER^® semi-mobile processing plants (150–175 TPH)

Project Description

Following initial exploration in 1995, DOVE identified a sapphire deposit of exceptional scale within the first three licensed blocks. Recognizing the potential, DOVE committed to a full-scale mining operation, providing the full investment, earthmoving equipment, and commissioning a DOVE EXPLORER^® 150 TPH semi-mobile plant.
This marked a historic milestone, as it represented the first-ever professional mineral processing plant in Madagascar— and the country’s first modern mining operation.

Market Impact & Gemstone Processing

DOVE exported the first shipment of Madagascar blue sapphires to Bangkok, Thailand, creating unprecedented excitement in the international gem market.

• Average production: 1.5 kg of sapphires per day
• Peak production: up to 18 kg per day
• Quality mix:
  ♦ 15–20% high-quality
  ♦ 30–40% medium-quality
  ♦ Balance in commercial-grade stones, suitable for beads and carvings.

To meet growing demand, DOVE established a gem cutting and enhancement facility in Bangkok, employing 150 skilled cutters. Heat treatment was introduced to improve color, clarity, and luster, with finished stones supplied to both jewelry manufacturers and cutting factories.

Expansion Through Joint Ventures (1997–2002)

To expand operations across the 33-block concession, DOVE entered into multiple joint ventures:

• DOVE – IMA Joint Venture Sapphire Mining
• DOVE–ABFG Sapphire Mining Operation
• DOVE–Blue Star S.A.R.L. Sapphire Mining Operation
• DOVE–Stone & Wood S.A.R.L. Sapphire Mining Operation
• DOVE–Andover S.A.R.L. Sapphire Mining Operation

Each venture combined DOVE’s technology and expertise with partner funding, producing large volumes of sapphires and reinforcing Madagascar’s role in global gemstone markets.

Project Status: Completed
Start Year: 1997
Minerals: Sapphires (blue, pink, yellow, green, red, white), Ruby, other gemstones
Mining Type: Alluvial & Eluvial
Technology: DOVE EXPLORER^® modular processing plants

Project Description

In 1997, DOVE discovered the first sapphires in Ilakaka, an area then uninhabited, known only for birdwatching. Together with a local partner, DOVE secured 35 mining blocks, igniting one of the largest sapphire rushes in modern history.
When DOVE mobilized its equipment, word spread rapidly, attracting thousands of artisanal miners and other companies to the area. This discovery laid the foundation for Ilakaka’s transformation into the sapphire capital of the world.

Gemstone Characteristics

The Ilakaka deposits produced sapphires in an extraordinary range of colors:

• Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Red, and White sapphires

These stones were admired for their exceptional clarity and brilliance, though the volume and concentration was lower compared to Antsiranana’s large deposits.

Mining Operations & Technology

DOVE deployed its EXPLORER^® modular plants, offering:

• Maximum recovery efficiency
• Mobility across blocks
• Rugged, economical operation

This introduced professional-scale mining to Ilakaka, setting a new standard above artisanal methods.

Expansion Through Joint Ventures (1997–2002)

To develop the 35-block concession, DOVE partnered with international companies:

• DOVE–JAK Mining S.A.R.L. Sapphire Mining Operation
• DOVE–Gems Mining Resources S.A.R.L. Sapphire Mining Operation

Both ventures combined DOVE’s technical expertise and recovery systems with partner investment, producing high-quality sapphires for international export.

Project Status: Completed in 2005
Start Year: 2002
Minerals: Sapphires, Garnets, other gemstones
Mining Type: Alluvial
Technology: DOVE EXPLORER^® modular processing plants, specially engineered with a fully contained water circulation system in tanks to comply with strict environmental restrictions in the region.

Project Description

In 2002, DOVE expanded into the Nosy Be region, a volcanic island in northwest Madagascar, known for its unique geology and gem-bearing alluvial gravels.
The project reflected DOVE’s commitment not only to gemstone recovery but also to environmentally responsible mining practices. By deploying EXPLORER^® plants with closed-loop water circulation, DOVE ensured compliance with local environmental protection standards, minimizing ecological impact while maintaining high recovery efficiency.

Gemstone Characteristics

Nosy Be’s deposits produced:

• Sapphires (blue and fancy colors)
• Garnets
• Other secondary gemstones

While smaller in scale compared to Antsiranana and Ilakaka, the Nosy Be sapphires were of notable quality, and the sustainable mining model showcased DOVE’s leadership in responsible gemstone mining.

Joint Venture Development

To enhance the project’s scope, DOVE entered into a joint venture with Canalta Gems (Canada) Inc.

DOVE–Canalta Gems (Canada) Inc. Sapphire Mining Operation

• DOVE provided: Licensed mining block, EXPLORER^® processing plant, and full technical expertise.
• Canalta Gems provided: Investment and international marketing access.

This collaboration successfully produced commercial volumes of sapphires, further strengthening Madagascar’s reputation as a responsible and leading source of gemstones.