Madagascar says mining contracts will be reviewed

Mon Mar 30, 2009 1:13pm EDT

* All contracts to be reviewed

* Rajoelina says auditors have started work

(Adds details, background)

ANTANANARIVO, March 30 (Reuters) - The new army-backed president of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, said on Monday his administration was reviewing all contracts with foreign investors because the country was receiving too little revenue.#

"We must review the contracts signed with operators. When you look at the rate of fees fixed, and those that must be paid, there is a large gap," Rajoelina told reporters in Antananarivo.

"This concerns all the contracts, especially in the mining sector. We have called on experts to do an audit. Part of the delegation is already here," he added.

At least 34 people were injured in the Madagascan capital on Saturday as thousands of supporters of former president Marc Ravalomanana held a sixth day of demonstrations.

The crisis has scared off tourists and unnerved foreign investors in the booming mining and oil exploration sectors.#

They include Total (TOTF.PA), Rio Tinto (RIO.L) and Sherritt International (S.TO), although their operations were not affected by the unrest because they were located in rural areas. (Reporting by Alain Iloniaina; Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Jon Boyle and Jonathan Wright)




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