Accessibility, Climate & Resources
Topography, Elevation and Vegetation
The Andramasina area is a high plateau and mountainous region in the Vatondrangy Mountain Range.
Elevations generally vary from 1800m to 1900m and reach a maximum of 2026m at the summit of
Mount Vatondrangy.
Vatondrangy mountains forms part of the divide from which water drains west to the
Mania River and east to the Nosivolo and Mananjary rivers. The northern claims extend into
a plateau region with little relief characterized by broad shallow valleys separated by north
trending quartzite ridges. The region is largely deforested though pine plantations are common
along ridges and summits. Valley bottoms are cultivated using terraced gardens while rocky
slopes are used for grazing.
Access to the Property and Proximity to Population Center(s)
Access is by 25 km of good gravel road from Antsirabe, then by 20 km of dirt track to the
permit area. Four-wheel drive roads and tracks provide limited access to most of the
claim group and good trails provide access to more remote sectors. The city of Antsirabe
is a large supply center that offers most services.
Relevant Climate and Length of Operating Season
A warm, wet season extends from November to March and the cooler, drier season, from May
to September, has freezing temperatures overnight. The combined effects of the moisture-bearing
southeast trade and northwest monsoon winds govern the climate.
Total rainfall amounts to roughly 200 cm annually over an average of 163 rainy days
per year. Average temperatures are estimated at 18 °C. The climate is temperate and presents
no impediment to year-round activities other than difficulties caused by an abnormally
rainy season.
Availability of Surface Rights, Power, Water and Mining Personnel
The area has little infrastructural other than dirt and gravel roads linking the region to
the major city of Antsirabe to the west. Water is available in industrial quantities year
round from several streams.
Electrical power to meet industrial demands is available at Antsirabe, located 45 km
to the west. Skilled mining personnel and mining services are not locally available.
The region is rural and land-use needs of the population would not conflict with surface
requirements of a mining operation.
Potential Areas for Tailings Disposal, Heap Leach Pads and Plant Sites
Topography in the area ranges from mountainous to gently rolling and is suitable for the
construction of tailing dams, leach pads and plant sites.
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