Ambatovy Resumes Nickel Production in Madagascar Following Cyclone Disruption

Ambatovy nickel-cobalt mine in Madagascar. (Image courtesy of Sherritt International Corp.)

Madagascar’s Largest Nickel and Cobalt Mine Restarts Operations After Major Rebuild.

Ambatovy, one of Africa’s largest nickel and cobalt mining operations, has resumed production following months of disruption caused by a powerful cyclone that struck Madagascar earlier this year.

The mining company announced that it expects to produce approximately 2,500 metric tonnes of nickel and 250 metric tonnes of cobalt during June 2026 as operations gradually return to normal.

The restart marks a significant milestone for Madagascar’s mining sector and global battery metals supply chains, which rely on nickel and cobalt for the production of electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage technologies.

Cyclone Damage Forced Temporary Production Halt

Production at the Ambatovy nickel and cobalt mine was severely affected after a cyclone damaged critical infrastructure in February 2026.

The disruption temporarily halted key processing activities, requiring extensive repairs and reconstruction work before operations could safely resume.

According to Ambatovy Chief Executive Officer Trevor Naidoo, the company successfully restarted one of its acid plants on May 23, with plans to bring the second facility back online before the end of June.

The acid plants play a vital role in the processing of nickel and cobalt ore, making their restoration essential to the mine’s full operational recovery.

Shareholders Provide Funding for Recovery Efforts

The reconstruction programme was supported by Ambatovy’s shareholders, including the Korea Mine Rehabilitation and Mineral Resources Corporation (KOMIR) and Japanese trading giant Sumitomo.

The funding enabled the company to carry out critical repairs and restore production capacity following the cyclone-related damage.

The recovery effort comes shortly after Sumitomo completed the sale of its 54% stake in Ambatovy to a consortium of investors in May 2026, marking a significant ownership transition for the mining operation.

Despite the ownership changes, the company remains focused on restoring production and strengthening its position in the global battery metals market.

Ambatovy Plays Key Role in Global Battery Metals Supply

Located in Madagascar, Ambatovy is one of the world’s largest lateritic nickel mining operations and a major producer of cobalt, both of which are essential materials for the energy transition.

The mine produces high-quality nickel and cobalt briquettes used in a wide range of industrial applications, including electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems and advanced manufacturing.

As global demand for battery minerals continues to grow, Ambatovy remains strategically important to international supply chains seeking reliable sources of critical minerals.

Strong Production History Supports Recovery Outlook

Before the cyclone disruption, Ambatovy maintained strong production levels, producing approximately 29,000 metric tonnes of nickel and 2,700 metric tonnes of cobalt during 2025.

The company’s ability to resume operations relatively quickly following the weather-related setback is being viewed positively by industry observers, particularly at a time when demand for critical minerals continues to rise.

Market analysts note that nickel and cobalt remain essential components in the production of lithium-ion batteries, making stable supply increasingly important for manufacturers worldwide.

Growing Importance of Africa’s Battery Metals Industry

The restart of Ambatovy’s operations highlights the growing significance of Africa in the global battery metals sector.

Countries across the continent, including Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and South Africa, are increasingly attracting investment in critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies and electric mobility.

As governments and industries accelerate efforts to reduce carbon emissions, demand for nickel and cobalt is expected to remain strong over the coming decade.

This trend is creating new opportunities for African mining operations to play a larger role in global supply chains while contributing to economic growth and export earnings.

Ambatovy Positioned for Production Recovery

With one processing plant already operational and a second expected to restart by the end of June, Ambatovy appears well positioned to rebuild production levels over the coming months.

The successful restart demonstrates the resilience of Madagascar’s mining sector and underscores the strategic importance of the Ambatovy project to both the national economy and the global battery metals industry.

As production ramps up, the mine is expected to continue supplying key materials required for the growing electric vehicle and renewable energy markets, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s most important nickel and cobalt producers.