Maldives Opens First Salt Production Facility in Dhidhdhoo Through Maldivian-Japanese Collaboration

The Maldives has inaugurated its first-ever salt manufacturing facility, marking the completion and commencement of operations at the factory in Haa Alifu Atoll. The facility, located in Dhidhdhoo, is a collaborative undertaking between Maldivian company M. Deep Investment and its Japanese partner. The facility, which represents a transformative step for domestic industry, is designed to produce premium-quality edible salt and highlights the country's potential to capitalise on its abundant natural resources.

The factory was built on a 15,000-square-foot plot leased from Dhidhdhoo for a 15-year term. Its development was catalysed by quality tests conducted in Japan, according to M. Deep Investments, which revealed that seawater from the Maldives contains an exceptional mineral profile, surpassing that of salt produced elsewhere. Construction commenced last year, driven by these findings.

Production at the facility employs sustainable techniques, the company has said, relying on sunlight and heat to evaporate seawater. It is equipped to produce three distinct varieties of salt, ranging from everyday table salt to specialised types. The company has also announced plans to experiment with salt suited for fish curing, diversifying its scope.

Ensuring consistent quality has emerged as a central focus of the initiative, according to the company. Regular testing of the salt will take place in both the Maldives and Japan, the company has said, adhering to strict standards. The production process for each batch spans approximately one week, encompassing filtration, purification, and evaporation.

Building on the factory's potential success, M. Deep Investment has unveiled ambitious plans for expansion. The company envisions four additional salt production facilities across the country, creating broader opportunities for locally manufactured products. Resorts and inhabited islands are expected to be the primary markets for the new venture.