Top 10 TSP Core Bit Suppliers, Manufacturers, Wholesalers and Traders in Madagascar

Founded in 2005, MDS has grown from a small workshop in Antananarivo to the country’s leading provider of TSP core bits. What sets MDS apart is its focus on local adaptation—their engineers work closely with mining teams to design bits that handle Madagascar’s diverse geology, from the hard granite of the Central Highlands to the clay-rich soils of the coastal plains. Their flagship product, the MDS-TSP Series, combines a heat-resistant TSP matrix with a reinforced surface set design, making it ideal for deep exploration drilling.

Beyond TSP core bits, MDS also specializes in HQ impregnated drill bits, which are popular among geological survey companies for their precision in collecting core samples. The company prides itself on quick turnaround times, with a local manufacturing facility that can produce custom bits in as little as 5 days. “We don’t just sell tools—we solve problems,” says a senior engineer at MDS. This customer-centric approach has earned them long-term contracts with major mining firms like Rio Tinto’s Madagascar operations.

Established in 2010, CoreTech made a name for itself by introducing matrix body PDC bits to Madagascar’s market. While PDC (Polycrystalline Diamond Compact) bits are not TSP, the company’s expertise in diamond-based drilling technology quickly expanded to include TSP core bits, which are now a cornerstone of their product line. Their NQ impregnated diamond core bits, designed for narrow-diameter drilling, are particularly popular among small-scale miners exploring for gemstones in the country’s southern regions.

CoreTech’s strength lies in innovation. In 2020, they launched a “dual-core” TSP bit that combines a standard TSP cutting surface with an impregnated diamond layer, reducing wear in abrasive formations. This hybrid design has cut drilling time by up to 30% for some clients. The company also offers training programs for local drill operators, ensuring that their tools are used to maximum effect—a service that has helped them build trust in rural mining communities.

A veteran in the industry, Tamatave Mining Supplies has been serving Madagascar since 1998. Based in the port city of Tamatave (Toamasina), the company leverages its strategic location to import raw materials and export finished products to neighboring African countries like Mozambique and Tanzania. Their TSP core bits are known for durability—many clients report using a single Tamatave bit for over 500 meters of drilling in medium-hard rock, far exceeding industry averages.

In addition to TSP bits, the company wholesales carbide drag bits and reaming shells, making them a one-stop shop for mining operations. Their bulk pricing model is particularly attractive to large-scale projects; for example, a recent order from a coal mining company in the northwest included 200 TSP core bits and 50 reaming shells, all delivered within a week. “We’ve built our reputation on reliability,” notes the company’s sales director. “When a mine needs tools fast, they call us.”

Operating out of Fianarantsoa, a city in Madagascar’s agricultural heartland, this 2012-founded company has carved a niche serving small-scale miners and agricultural irrigation projects. While many suppliers focus on industrial mining, Fianarantsoa Drilling Tools specializes in affordable, user-friendly TSP core bits that don’t compromise on quality. Their surface set core bits, for instance, are designed with a simplified attachment system, making them easy to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ in the field—critical for teams with limited technical training.

The company’s NQ impregnated bits are a hit among farmers drilling water wells, as they balance speed and precision in softer soil formations. “A farmer doesn’t need a bit that can drill through granite—they need one that can reach groundwater quickly and affordably,” explains the company’s founder. To keep costs low, Fianarantsoa Drilling Tools sources local steel and partners with Indian manufacturers for diamond grit, passing savings on to customers. This approach has made them a favorite in rural cooperatives across the country.

As the name suggests, this 2008-founded company focuses on wholesale distribution, acting as a bridge between international manufacturers and local buyers. Based in Toamasina, they stock a wide range of TSP core bits from brands like Boart Longyear and Atlas Copco, as well as their own house brand of HQ impregnated drill bits. Their warehouse spans over 2,000 square meters, ensuring they can fulfill large orders with minimal lead time.

What makes Toamasina Core Bit Wholesalers unique is their “mix-and-match” ordering system. Clients can combine TSP bits, cutting tools, and drill accessories in a single order, reducing shipping costs. For example, a construction company building a road might order 50 TSP core bits for soil testing, 20 carbide cutting tools for trenching, and 10 drill rods—all delivered in one shipment. This flexibility has made them a go-to for traders who supply smaller retailers across Madagascar.

Antsirabe, a city known for its cool climate and research institutions, is home to this 2015-founded company that partners with local universities to develop cutting-edge drilling tools. Antsirabe Geological Equipment’s claim to fame is its matrix body PDC bits, but they’ve recently expanded into TSP core bits with a focus on scientific accuracy. Their TSP bits are used by the Madagascar Institute of Geology for mapping mineral deposits, thanks to their ability to collect intact core samples even in fractured rock.

The company also produces custom core lifters and TSP core bits tailored to specific research projects. For a 2023 expedition to study volcanic rock in the island’s east, they designed a bit with a specialized cooling system to prevent sample degradation. “We’re not just selling products—we’re advancing exploration,” says a research and development manager at the company. This academic focus has earned them grants from international organizations like the African ｕｎｉｏｎ’s Mining Development Program.

Founded in 2001, Mahajanga Drilling Systems serves the unique needs of Madagascar’s coastal and offshore mining operations. Based in Mahajanga, a port on the northwest coast, the company specializes in TSP core bits resistant to saltwater corrosion—a critical feature for projects like offshore oil exploration and coastal gemstone mining. Their “Marine-TSP” series includes a stainless-steel casing and a specially formulated diamond matrix that holds up in brackish water.

In addition to TSP bits, the company supplies DTH (Down-the-Hole) drilling tools and drill rods, making them a key partner for deep-water well projects. A recent highlight was their role in a World Bank-funded initiative to drill 100 freshwater wells in coastal communities affected by saltwater intrusion. Mahajanga’s TSP bits drilled through layers of coral and sandstone to reach aquifers 200 meters below ground, providing clean water to over 5,000 people.

A relative newcomer founded in 2018, Antananarivo Trading Hub has quickly made a mark by importing premium TSP core bits and surface set core bits from global manufacturers. They focus on brands known for advanced technology, such as China’s Sany and Germany’s Boart Longyear, and act as the exclusive distributor for several in Madagascar. Their strength is in product variety—whether a client needs a standard TSP bit for general drilling or a specialized surface set bit for archaeological core sampling, they likely have it in stock.

The company caters to high-end clients, including international mining firms and government geological surveys. Their technical support team, trained by overseas manufacturers, provides on-site assistance to ensure optimal bit performance. “We bring global expertise to local projects,” says the hub’s director. “When a client uses a bit from Antananarivo Trading Hub, they’re getting the same quality as in Europe or North America.”

Based in Toliara, the gateway to Madagascar’s mineral-rich southern regions, Toliara Mining Tech has been a trusted name since 2007. The company focuses on NQ impregnated diamond core bits, which are smaller in diameter and ideal for detailed mineral analysis—perfect for the gemstone miners who dominate the area. Their TSP core bits, launched in 2019, were developed specifically for the region’s hard, silica-rich rock, which quickly wears down standard bits.

Toliara Mining Tech prides itself on being “miner-owned.” Many of its staff have worked in local mines, giving them firsthand insight into client needs. For example, they offer a “bit repair” service, extending the life of worn TSP bits by re-tipping them with new diamond grit—a cost-saving option for small-scale operators. “We speak the same language as our clients,” says the company’s owner. “We know that every meter of drilling costs money, so we make sure our bits go the distance.”

Rounding out our list is Antsiranana Core Solutions, a 2014-founded company that specializes in custom TSP core bits for niche projects. Based in Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) in the far north, they serve clients with unique drilling challenges—from geothermal exploration in volcanic areas to ice core sampling in the Andringitra Mountains. Their “bespoke TSP” service allows clients to specify everything from bit diameter to cutting surface pattern, ensuring a perfect fit for the job.

The company’s HQ impregnated drill bits are used by scientific expeditions, including a 2022 French-Malagasy team studying climate change through sediment cores. Antsiranana Core Solutions also offers thread button bits for blast hole drilling, a critical tool in controlled mining operations. While they’re smaller than some competitors, their focus on innovation has earned them a reputation as the “problem-solvers” of Madagascar’s drilling industry.