Antananarivo, Madagascar – (African Boulevard News) – The negotiations between Rio Tinto and Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina are still ongoing for the Fort-Dauphin mine. Rio Tinto, the Anglo-Australian mining giant, has made a firm offer to the mines minister Olivier Rakotomalala.
Rio Tinto has been operating the Fort-Dauphin mine for over a decade, and the negotiations with the Madagascar government have been ongoing for some time. The mine produces ilmenite, which is used in the production of titanium dioxide, a valuable ingredient in a wide range of products including paint and cosmetics.
President Rajoelina has been seeking to renegotiate the terms of the mine’s operation, with a particular focus on increasing the government’s share of the profits. However, Rio Tinto has been hesitant to agree to any new terms that could impact the mine’s profitability.
The negotiations have become increasingly tense, with both sides digging in their heels. President Rajoelina has threatened to nationalize the mine if Rio Tinto does not agree to his terms, while the mining company has warned that it may be forced to shut down the mine entirely if the government demands a larger share of the profits.
As the negotiations enter the final stretch, both sides are under pressure to reach a compromise. The government is keen to secure a larger share of the mine’s profits, which would help to boost the country’s struggling economy. However, Rio Tinto is also looking to protect its interests, and is reluctant to agree to any terms that could impact its profitability.
Industry experts have been following the negotiations closely, with many predicting that a compromise will eventually be reached. “It’s clear that both sides have a lot to gain from reaching an agreement,” said one analyst. “The Fort-Dauphin mine is a valuable asset for both Rio Tinto and Madagascar, and it’s in everyone’s interests to find a way to make it profitable and sustainable in the long term.”
As the negotiations continue, the world watches with bated breath to see whether Rio Tinto and President Rajoelina can find a way to bridge the gap and come to a mutually beneficial agreement.
