Harena Secures US$4.84m DFC Funding for Ampasindava
Harena Rare Earths has advanced its Madagascar ionic clay project to the pilot stage, backed by new US development finance and agreed mining terms.
Harena Rare Earths has secured US$4.84 million in development funding from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to advance the Ampasindava ionic clay project in Madagascar. The capital is allocated specifically for technical and operational groundwork, including the construction of an on-site pilot plant and laboratory. These facilities are critical for transitioning the site from exploration to rare earth concentrate production.
Executive Chairman Ivan Murphy detailed these milestones during a presentation at the 2026 Africa Down Under Conference in Perth. The company confirmed that it has agreed mining terms with the Government of Madagascar and made significant progress through the permitting process. Harena also highlighted the project’s logistical advantages, citing its proximity to port infrastructure and access to necessary processing inputs.
Development Funding and Infrastructure Plans
The US$4.84 million provided under the Project Development Funding Agreement is earmarked to build the technical foundation for future output. Harena is currently progressing plans for a pilot plant and laboratory, which will allow the company to refine processing methods before full-scale operations. This investment reduces technical risk by validating extraction and concentration techniques on-site.
Permitting Progress and Government Terms
A key regulatory milestone was the agreement of mining terms with the Malagasy government. This step resolves critical legal uncertainties that often stall African mining projects. By securing these terms and advancing through the permitting pipeline, Harena has established a clearer path toward commercial viability. The company also emphasized its ongoing engagement with local communities as part of its environmental and social strategy.
Strategic Positioning in Rare Earths
Harena is positioning Ampasindava as an emerging asset in the global rare earth supply chain. The project’s location offers logistical benefits, including direct access to port facilities for exporting concentrates. The company published an updated corporate presentation alongside the conference recording, detailing its wider development strategy. This material serves as the primary disclosure of the project’s current status and future capital requirements.
