Development costs have soared.

The article reports on the increase in Madagascar's ilmenite development project costs, which is said to be associated with the rising global construction prices. Guy Larin, vice president and country director of QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), explains that the country's ilmenite project costs have increased to about $1 billion. Ilmenite is a mineral source of titanium dioxide, which is used in paint and other coatings, paper and plastics. Details of the construction of a mine, roads and infrastructure in the country are discussed.