Madagascar: QMM mining giant in the crosshairs of justice and locals
QMM announced on August 28 the suspension of its ilmenite extraction site near Fort-Dauphin after repeated road blockades by farmers whose lands were flooded. The company was ordered by a court to pay 9.9 billion ariary to 27 families, and the Supreme Court rejected its appeal on August 4. QMM stated operations will resume only when security and free circulation are guaranteed.
Why it matters: This case illustrates the theme of resource governance, as a multinational's operations conflict with local livelihoods and judicial rulings.