Responsible Mica Initiative and UNDP Partner to Strengthen Responsible and Sustainable Mica Supply Chains in Madagascar
Madagascar, November 1st – The Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have just signed a partnership agreement to foster responsible, sustainable, and fair mica supply chains in Madagascar. The collaboration aims to strengthen sector governance, provide technical and economic support to mica mining communities, and reduce child labor risks in the mica sector.
Expanding Responsible Mica Practices in Southern Madagascar
The project will expand RMI’s intervention zone to include the mining site of Ankoroma (Androy region, Andalatanosy commune). Here, artisanal miners will be supported in adopting the CRAFT Mica Standard, a globally recognized framework for responsible artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
This support will include:
- Formalization and structuring of miners into mining groups.
- Training on the CRAFT Mica Standard and technical best practices.
- Provision of protective equipment and adapted mining tools to improve safety and working conditions.
Towards Decent Income and Fair Trade
A key component of the project is to promote decent incomes for mica miners. This will be achieved through:
- Establishing commercial contracts between mining groups and exporters.
- Facilitating connections between local miners and international mica buyers, including RMI members.
- Encouraging constructive dialogue across the supply chain to ensure fairness and transparency.
Additionally, the project will support income-generating activities linked to mica mining to help bridge the gap between current earnings and a decent living wage for miners and their families.
Strengthening Governance and Fighting Child Labor
The partnership also emphasizes improved governance and transparency within the mica sector. A multi-stakeholder platform will be established, bringing together economic actors, authorities, and civil society organizations to ensure inclusive decision-making.
At the regional level, mining authorities will play a crucial role through regular monitoring visits, which will help reduce child labor and improve oversight of mica mining activities.
A Step Forward for Sustainable Mica
Through this partnership, RMI and UNDP aim to create a mica supply chain that benefits communities, companies, and consumers alike – a supply chain that is more responsible, sustainable, and equitable.
This initiative represents a critical step in achieving systemic change in the mica sector while improving the livelihoods of artisanal miners in Madagascar.
