Madagascar Lifts 16-Year Mining Permit Suspension: Major Step Forward for LION's Ambato-Arana Graphite Project.
MWN-AI** Summary
Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp. (CSE: LION, OTCQB: GBBGF, F: 0TD) has announced a significant update for its shareholders regarding the lifting of a 16-year moratorium on mining permit issuance in Madagascar. This pivotal change, communicated by Minister of Mines and Strategic Resources, Carl Andriamparany, specifically excludes gold mining permits. The new framework for granting permits seeks to streamline the application process, involving both small-scale operators and competitive tenders for larger industrial projects, while also incorporating oversight from the Mining Brigade.
Madagascar is rich in strategic minerals essential for the ongoing global energy transition, notably graphite, nickel, and cobalt. The recent report from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative indicates that in 2023, 1,650 mining permits were awaiting approval, emphasizing the urgency and potential for growth in Madagascar's mining sector.
Chairman Jason Walsh highlighted this development as a critical advancement for Madagascar's mining landscape, reinforcing foreign investment confidence, particularly in projects like the Ambato-Arana Graphite Mine. The Ambato-Arana project spans 4,375 hectares and is strategically located near existing nickel and cobalt mining operations. Historical graphite production at the site was halted due to an industry downturn, but with modern techniques, the project is primed for large-scale development.
The graphite deposits, associated with the highly prospective Manampotsy Formation, exhibit significant quality with carbon contents reaching up to 14%. The mine’s geological features, including extensive north-south belts and shallow dip angles, indicate promising large flake output, positioning it competitively alongside other local producers. The lifting of the permit suspension marks a promising new chapter for both Global Li-Ion and the broader Madagascan mining industry.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent announcement from the Madagascar government lifting the 16-year suspension on mining permits, excluding gold, is a pivotal development for companies like Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp. (CSE: LION, OTCQB: GBBGF). This shift heralds a new era of opportunity for the mining sector, particularly for graphite projects such as Global Li-Ion’s Ambato-Arana Graphite Project, enhancing prospects not just for the company, but for the broader mining landscape in Madagascar.
The new permitting framework aims to streamline the process by introducing competitive tenders for industrial projects and promoting small-scale operations. This approach is likely to attract international investments, granting mining companies increased confidence and a clearer pathway to operational activation. The vast potential of Madagascar's mineral wealth—especially in key resources like graphite—positions LION favorably amidst the ongoing global energy transition that favors sustainable and efficient materials.
Investors should consider the significant existing liabilities—1,650 pending permits as of 2023—while recognizing that these approvals can unlock substantial value. The Ambato-Arana project contains high-grade graphite with carbon contents approaching 14%, reinforcing its viability in a market that increasingly values quality and sustainability.
As demand for graphite surges—spurred by advancements in electric vehicle technology and renewable energy infrastructure—the latest developments could lead to heightened interest in LION’s shares. Furthermore, the proximity of the Ambato-Arana Project to established mining operations like Ambatovy amplifies logistical advantages, providing a competitive edge.
However, potential investors should maintain an awareness of geopolitical risks and regulatory changes which could impact the operating environment. Thus, while the market sentiment appears bullish given the recent permit developments, a cautious approach analyzing the implications of these changes on investment strategy is prudent. Overall, now may be an opportune time to consider positions in Global Li-Ion as they navigate these promising changes.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Feb. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp. (“Global Li-Ion” or, the “Company”) (CSE: LION, OTCQB: GBBGF, F: 0TD) would like to take this opportunity to further update its shareholders and interested parties. The Company welcomes the announcement by Carl Andriamparany, Minister of Mines and Strategic Resources of Madagascar, stating that Madagascar has lifted its 16-year suspension on the issuance of mining permits (except for gold mining permits).
According to local media, the new system for granting permits is based on several mechanisms combining: authorizations for licenses intended for small-scale operators, competitive tenders for industrial projects and the involvement of the Mining Brigade (regulatory/policing unit overseeing mining operations and enforcing laws in the sector) in reviewing applications.
Madagascar has significant mineral resources, notably nickel, cobalt and graphite, which are considered strategic minerals in the context of the global energy transition. According to the latest report published at the end of 2025 under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, 1,650 mining permits were pending approval in 2023.
Chairman Jason Walsh commented “This is a major step forward for the mining industry in Madagascar as it allows foreign capital to invest with confidence in mining projects like Global Li-Ion’s Ambato-Arana Graphite mine.’
About Ambato-Arana Graphite Mine, Madagascar
The 3 forty-year renewable mining exploitation licenses that comprise the Project total 4,375 hectares (10,811 acres) are located in the vicinity of Andasibe in Toamasina Province in Madagascar, 20 km to the southwest of Sheritt’s large-scale nickel/cobalt laterite open pit mine at Ambatovy and 15 km northeast of the town of Moramanga from which national highway RN2 connects with capital city Antananarivo (114 km) and Madagascar’s main port of Toamasina (Tamatave) (240 km). Graphite was produced on the licenses, at a modest rate constrained by the technology employed on the licenses at that time, for roughly a century from 1910. Production was suspended by the previous owners due to a slump at the time in Global Graphite markets and with the deposits only partially mined. The deposits are now ready for larger scale exploitation with modern production techniques. They lie within the graphitic horizons of the highly prospective Manampotsy Formation and are associated with topographic highs that are exploited via free digging of lateritic ore and open pit mining, providing a lower cost exploitation without need for blasting. The graphite mineralization on the Project appears within well-defined north-south belts with interbedded graphite-rich friable layers. The geological layers of interest have continuity of several kilometres and exhibit a shallow dip angle. Sample data indicate good grade (up to 10% carbon content with some samples up to nearly 14%) and large flake (jumbo size) consistent with other nearby mines e.g. Gallois (Elate Graphite), Sahamamy & Vatomina (Tirupati Graphite) and DNI Metals’ Vohitsara (DNI Metals).
Further information about Global Li-Ion is available under its profile on the SEDAR website, www.sedar.com, on the CSE website, www.thecse.com, and the Company’s website, www.globalli-iongraphite.com.
For Further information about the Company, please contact:
Jason Walsh
Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp.
Telephone 604.608.6314
Email: info@liongraphite.com
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
Forward-Looking Information:
This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “intend”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks discussed in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
FAQ**
How does the recent lifting of the mining permit suspension by Madagascar impact the strategic operations of Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp GBBGF in the Ambato-Arana Graphite mine?
What are the expected benefits for Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp GBBGF in terms of capital investment now that Madagascar has introduced a new permit system for mining projects?
In light of the announcement, what strategies is Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp GBBGF implementing to ensure the efficient exploitation of the graphite resources in Madagascar?
How will Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp GBBGF address any potential risks associated with the forward-looking statements mentioned in relation to their operations in Madagascar?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Global Li-Ion Graphite Corp (OTC: GBBGF).
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