Harena Rare Earths (HREE ) has signed the Cahier des Charges Minières (Mining Terms and Conditions) in regard to the Ampasindava project with Madagascar's Ministry of Mines.
This formalises the company’s technical, financial, environmental and social commitments under the country's 2023 Mining Code and completes the applicable mining regulatory process.
The news follows on from the favourable pre-feasibility study, details of which were announced on 26 January 2026.
It also means the path is now cleared to the next work programme, including the proof of concept pilot plant and an onsite laboratory, as well as continued technical studies and project development activities.
Harena will now make environmental and social studies the priority. Stakeholder engagement and a public consultation is required to secure the environmental permit under Madagascar's MECIE Decree and international standards, including the IFC Performance Standards.
The company's recent US$4.84 million project development facility from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) provides the funding to advance the pilot-plant, and the environmental and social workstreams.
"Signing the CCM is a defining regulatory milestone,” said Ivan Murphy, executive chairman of Harena.
“It gives us a clear framework to advance responsibly in Madagascar and, critically, clears the path to our proof of concept pilot plant and onsite laboratory. With the recent DFC facility in place, we are funded to deliver the next phase of work - beginning with the environmental and social assessment, stakeholder engagement and public consultation that underpin our approvals. Before entering commercial production, we will be completing all permits and authorisation consistent with our environmental and social commitments as set out in our PFS."
View from Vox
The signature of the CCM confirms Ampasindava as one of the few large-scale ionic clay rare earth projects being advanced outside China, with the potential to become a significant source of the magnet rare earth elements neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium - supporting the diversification of global critical mineral supply chains.