Madagascar is reviving its largest dormant mining venture, rebranded as Vara Mada in December 2025, to extract strategic minerals including ilmenite, zircon, and monazite in Ranobe, 45km north of Toliara. Led by US firm Energy Fuels and backed by the United States, the €854 million project could operate for 38 years and awaits a formal investment agreement with the Malagasy government, requiring public approval from the Constitutional High Court and Parliament. Monazite, rich in rare earth elements vital for technology and renewable energy, aims to diversify global supply chains from China's 80% dominance. Despite past suspensions in 2019 due to local opposition, the company emphasizes transparency to rebuild trust, with construction potentially starting by 2027 and promising significant economic boosts amid ongoing environmental and social concerns.