Geoscientific and Mining Information Centre for Madagascar

GAF AG (Germany) has completed the main phase of a technical assistance project in establishing the geoscience and mining information centre in Madagascar BPGRM, under the “Projet de Gouvernance des Ressources Minérales” (PGRM). The works have been performed for the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Antananarivo, Madagascar, and are funded by the World Bank / International Development Association (IDA) and the Government of Madagascar.

The Information Centre has been officially launched by the Ministry of Energy and Mines 29th September and is a key achievement for the promotion of the mining sector and the attraction of foreign investment.

BPGRM is currently the most comprehensive and complete one-stop-service for geological, geoscientific and mining information, covering the whole of Madagascar. BPGRM offers a full suite of products and services for mining operators, exploration companies, investors, academic researchers and the general prospectors. The portfolio comprises maps, satellite data, publications and bibliography, GIS data as well as the results of ongoing PGRM geophysical survey and geological cartography, but also information about the legal framework and investment environment. Cadastral information from the “Bureau de Cadastre Minier de Madagascar” can also be consulted. The centre’s experts offer data handling, integration and analysis services including the preparation of multi-thematic data kits, compilation datasets and maps, interpreted geophysical and remote sensing maps, and mineral potential maps derived from existing geological, mining and geophysical information. The centre is conceived as a nationwide information system for the interpretation, analysis and exploitation of all existing and future geoscientific and mining information of Madagascar. It is equipped with GIS software, image processing, database management systems, webtools and geophysical data processing. The BPGRM staff consists of a number of geo- and IT experts with dedicated training by reknown international experts.

GAF AG has been responsible for the design, set-up and implementation of BPGRM. The following tasks have been performed by a team of GAF experts since February 2005: institutional strengthening including capacity transfer, training, equipment specifications and procurement, data policy, the technical design and implementation of the databases, software, the IT infrastructure and networking. GAF performed integration and interpretation of the data and development of key products such as mineral potential maps, on-line interactive maps, geolexical standards, geo-database structure and product layout models. A range of promotional products has been prepared and the website established. BPGRM in Madagascar is the latest addition to the list of computerised geological, mining or cadastral information systems implemented and put in operation or improved by GAF AG in a variety of countries including Congo-DRC, Madagascar, Mauretania, Namibia and currently in Papua New Guinea.