KEY POINTS

• Pan-African billionaire Benedict Peters has deployed three high-tech aircraft to map Madagascar’s mineral resources under a government agreement.
• The project will provide free, detailed geological data to help the country attract investors and negotiate better mining deals.
• The initiative could shift control of resource information to Madagascar and open the door for long-term economic growth.

Pan-African billionaire Benedict Peters has launched a major mineral exploration initiative in Madagascar, deploying three aircraft equipped with advanced sensors to scan the country’s underground resources.

The move follows a December 2025 agreement between his mining company, Bravura Holdings, and the Malagasy government. The aircraft will carry out aerial surveys to detect mineral deposits, identify viable mining zones, and estimate their economic value.

Billionaires Africa reports that wo of the aircraft are set to begin targeted exploration over a six-month period, starting in the mineral-rich Toliara region in southwestern Madagascar.

Advanced Technology to Map Resources Deep Underground

According to Bravura’s country manager, Colas Rafanoharana, the aircraft are capable of detecting minerals as deep as three kilometres beneath the earth’s surface.

Before full operations begin, final agreements must still be signed with key government bodies, including Madagascar’s national mining agency. Once completed, all data gathered from the surveys will be handed over to the government at no cost.

This is expected to give Madagascar access to reliable and detailed information about its mineral wealth, something it has lacked for decades.

Benedict Peters is best known as the founder of Aiteo, one of Africa’s largest indigenous oil producers.

Through Bravura Holdings, he has expanded into mining across multiple African countries, investing in resources such as platinum, lithium, gold, copper, and uranium. His operations span countries like Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Ghana.

Industry estimates place his net worth between $3 billion and $7 billion, reflecting his strong presence in both energy and mining sectors.

The arrival of the aircraft is being seen as more than just a technical operation, it signals growing confidence in Madagascar as a serious mining destination.

If sustained, this initiative could help transform the country’s natural resources into stronger economic growth and development, provided transparency and fair policies are maintained.