Accessibility, Climate & Resources
Topography, Elevation and Vegetation
The Dabolava area consists of gently rolling grassland dotted with occasional trees at a nominal
elevation of 590 m.
Access to the Property and Proximity to Population Center(s)
Access is gained by the main national highway linking Morondava on the west coast with interior
cities of Antsirabe and Antananarivo in the east. The northern and central parts of the block
may not be accessible except by trail bike or all-terrain vehicle. The nearby city of Miandrivazo
offers essential services, including medical treatment and an airport. Antsirabe, located about
150 km to the east, is a large center.
Relevant Climate and Length of Operating Season
A hot, wet season extends from November to April and the cooler, drier season from May to October.
The combined effects of the moisture-bearing southeast trade and northwest monsoon winds govern
the climate as they blow across the central plateau. The trade winds blow year round but are
strongest from May to October. Storms from the east rarely bring rain to the semi-desert western
foothills of the Dabolava region.
The monsoons bring rain to the northwest coast of Madagascar and to the plateau during the
hot humid season. These storms blow obliquely across the island such that the northwest coast
receives moderate precipitation while the southwest, remains arid. The plateau receives significant
rains from this system with 135 cm falling annually at Antananarivo and 122 cm at Fianarantsoa
about 200 miles farther south. The Dabolava area is affected by this system and experience moderate
rains intermittently during the season. Miandrivazo, located nearly at sea level some 30 km to the
west receives 150 cm of rain annually, experiences high average temperatures of 64 deg F. in July
and average high temperatures of 87 deg. F. in February. Since Dabolava lies at 590 m. in elevation,
temperatures are moderated by altitude.
Tropical cyclones approach from the Indian Ocean, striking mainly the north half of the island.
These produce torrential rains and destructive floods between December and March. They seldom affect
weather conditions in the Dabolava region.
Availability of Surface Rights, Power, Water and Mining Personnel
The area lacks infrastructural advantages except for an excellent paved highway that links the region
to major cities to the east, including the capital Antananarivo. Miandrivazo located 30km to the west,
has electrical power and provides health care services to the region. Water is available in industrial
quantities year round from several nearby streams and power is available in Miandrivazo but may not be
sufficient for heavy industrial demands. Mining personnel with artisanal experience and some training
are locally available.
The region is rural and land-use needs of the population would not likely conflict with surface
requirements of mining operations.
Potential Areas for Tailings Disposal, Heap Leach Pads and Plant Sites
Topography in the area is gently rolling and would be well suited for the construction of any mine
related facility, including tailing dams, leach pads and plant sites.
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