Natural Resources

Madagascar produces many different natural resources. Natural resources can provide energy and income for the country if there is a large supply of it. The island does not have one natural resource that they specialize in. Some of these resources that can be found on the island of Madagascar are graphite, coal, bauxite, salt quartz, tar sands, semi-precious stones, mica, fish, and hydropower. It seems like a good thing to have such a variety of natural resources.

There is a small hydropower plant located on the island that was built in 2008. The project is privately owned and they are hoping to expand to more rural areas of the country. Hydropower now helps run 10 percent of the island’s electricity. This is a great way to utilize the nation’s water systems.

Madagascar also produces coal. There is a coal mining project located here, which is named Imaloto 

Project. The project is located in the Imaloto Coal Basin in southwest Madagascar. This coal-mining project began in 2008. Coal is something that can produce energy and make money for the nation. It seems like a good natural resource to have.

The rock bauxite can be found in Madagascar. This rock is a mixture of different minerals. One of the things this rock can be used for is to make aluminum, which can be used for many different things.

Madagascar’s trade with other countries mostly consists of textiles and agricultural items. Some of the countries they trade with are France, the United States, Germany, Areas nes, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, and Mauritius. There is not much trade found within the country because many of the people do not have much to trade. Most of the trading done in Madagascar is done with countries and people outside of the country.

http://www.un.org/esa/coordination/Alliance/madagascar.htm

http://www.e8casestudies.org/casestudies/Madagascar-ADBSahanivotrySmallHydroPower.aspx

http://www.lemurresources.com/projects/imaloto-coal-project.html

http://geology.com/minerals/bauxite.shtml