In a groundbreaking move for the country’s industrial landscape, the Maldives has launched its first salt production facility in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll. The project, a joint venture between local company M. Deep Investment and a Japanese partner, marks a significant step toward diversifying the nation’s economy and tapping into the potential of its natural marine resources.
Built on a 15,000-square-foot plot leased for 15 years, the facility is now fully operational. The development of the factory was inspired by mineral testing conducted in Japan, which revealed that Maldivian seawater contains a superior mineral profile compared to other regions—making it ideal for producing high-quality edible salt.
According to M. Deep Investment, the salt is produced using environmentally friendly methods that harness solar energy to evaporate seawater. The facility currently manufactures three different types of salt, including standard table salt and premium variants, and is also exploring the production of curing salt for fish processing.
Quality control remains a cornerstone of the project. The company says that salt produced at the factory will undergo routine testing both locally and in Japan to ensure it meets international standards. Each production cycle takes roughly one week, involving a multi-step process of filtration, purification, and evaporation.
The new factory aims to supply salt to both resorts and inhabited islands across the country, providing a sustainable alternative to imported salt. Encouraged by the early momentum, M. Deep Investment has revealed plans to establish four more production facilities in different parts of the Maldives, with the goal of scaling up local production and reducing reliance on imports.
The project not only signifies a first for the Maldives but also highlights a growing appetite for innovative, homegrown industries that can contribute to national self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
