Strengthening partnerships and fostering responsible mica mining: RMI’s visit to Madagascar
Antananarivo, Fort Dauphin, Androy and Anosy regions, Madagascar – September 2025: Last week, the Responsible Mica Initiative (RMI) and some of its long-standing members – including Shield Tech (formally Von Roll Automotive), Goode EIS, Pamica and Glory Mica – carried out an immersive field trip to Madagascar, with visits to Antananarivo, Fort Dauphin and several mining communities. The mission’s objective was to strengthen collaboration with local stakeholders, assess current programs and explore new opportunities to improve the lives of mica-dependent communities.
Antananarivo: Engaging decision-makers and key stakeholders
The trip began with two days in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital city. The RMI delegation:
- Met with Dr Rakotomalala Herindrainy Olivier, the former Minister of Mines in Madagascar, to discuss national strategies for responsible mica production.
- Met with Roland Kobia, the Ambassador of the European Union in Madagascar, to establish links between mica for Madagascar and European industries.
- Visited a sorting site, gaining insights into working conditions and current practices.
- Held stakeholder meetings with local organizations to continue the dialogue on sustainable mica supply chains.
These first days underlined the importance of aligning national policies, local realities, and international efforts to achieve lasting change.
Fort Dauphin and beyond: learning from the field
For the next three days, the RMI team and its members traveled to Fort Dauphin and surrounding mining areas, visiting both new sites and communities where RMI programs are already active.
Learn more about how the Responsible Mica Initiative supports mica communities in Madagascar.
Ankoroma: exploring new grounds
At Ankoroma, the delegation visited a mica mining site where RMI is not yet engaged. Discussions with local miners highlighted the challenges faced by mining communities lacking structured support programs and access to basic services.
Mafelefo and Befasy: witnessing change in action
In Mafelefo and Befasy, the team observed the positive impact of RMI’s ongoing initiatives. Visits included:
- Schools supported by RMI, providing children with access to education instead of being involved in mining labor.
- Drilling facilities improving access to safe drinking water.
- Mining sites where responsible practices are being introduced (signage, individual protective equipment, etc.)
- Literacy programs for miners aiming at empowering them to contribute to the local development.
These visits emphasized how integrated interventions can create healthier, safer, and more resilient communities in mica mining areas.
Amboasary and Fort Dauphin: sorting sites and local partnerships
In Amboasary and Fort Dauphin, the delegation toured mica sorting sites, gaining a deeper understanding of the value chain, and reinforcing relationships with Malagasy actors working toward responsible mica sourcing.
A shared commitment to sustainable change
Thinking back on the journey, Fanny Frémont, Executive Director of RMI, emphasized the importance of field engagement: “Seeing first-hand the realities of mica mining in Madagascar reminds us why our mission matters. Every conversation with miners, every visit to a school or community project, reaffirms our belief that change is possible when we act collectively and responsibly.”
“The journey to Madagascar gave us a powerful reminder of how closely business interests and social responsibility are linked. At Shield Tech, responsible sourcing means not only ensuring transparency across the supply chain but also improving the lives of the people who depend on this work. Meeting local communities and seeing projects on the ground highlighted the progress already made—and the importance of continuing this path with determination. We are convinced that sustainable change is only possible when industry, government, and civil society work hand in hand. This is why we are committed to the RMI.”
– Rauf Waraich & Sebastian Körner, Managing Partners, Shield Tech
Looking ahead: expanding impact in Madagascar
This trip reinforced the Responsible Mica Initiative’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with local communities, governments, key stakeholders and industry members. The insights gained in Madagascar will guide the next steps in expanding programs, ensuring that mica is produced more and more responsibly, and that communities dependent on mica have access to education, healthcare, safe water and sustainable livelihoods.
Together, we are building step by step a world in which mica value chains are fair, responsible, sustainable and free of child labor.
