 While mining exports have provided income for the government, there has been some skepticism of the benefits to the people in terms of services to the communities, disruption of traditional life, and environmental effects from open-pit mining and heavy-metal tailings.Mica was discovered near Tranomaro in 1912, and can be found in crystalline schists from Tôlanaro to Ihosy.There were 50 different companies mining mica in 1947, but demand fell in 1963.