2010
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
26
C1. Environmental Performance
Emissions
During the construction phase, emissions have been primarily
transport related. As operations begin, the balance will shift
strongly to emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from
industrial operations, most of which would be attributed
to the generation of power and the use of limestone. The
management of GHG will be through operations efficiencies.
The plant site, for example, was designed to minimize
emissions to meet criteria stipulated by local regulations or
the IFC, and sometimes both. We will calculate and report
on an annual basis what our GHG emissions are, per our
management plans.
Reduction Initiatives
The plant design incorporates in-country processing coupled
with newer technology for maximum efficiency. The facility
is designed to be efficient from the start. Emission control
systems include:
3
Electrostatic precipitators on power plant emissions
3
Capability to add lime to the power plant emissions to
reduce sulphur dioxide (SO
2
) emissions
3
Scrubber systems to avoid ammonia and hydrogen
sulphide emissions
3
Flares to eliminate ammonia and hydrogen sulphide
releases
3
Oil separation systems to avoid oily water discharges
Ozone-Depleting and Other Emissions
Ambatovy has equipment in place to monitor all emissions
once operations begin. A small proportion of emissions will
comprise CH
4
and N
2
O. This quantity can be converted into
carbon dioxide equivalent (CO
2
e).This amounts to less than
1% of total emissions.
Air Quality
Ambatovy is conscious of the potential impacts that its
operations may have on the surrounding atmosphere and
therefore takes great care to ensure that all applicable
regulations with respect to air quality
are properly followed.
During construction and operations,
some air and noise emissions will
be generated by equipment and
machinery (boilers, pumps, fans,
machinery, etc.) and there will be
increased traffic flow on access
roads around Project sites. A noise-
monitoring program has been
established to measure and mitigate potential impacts on
human health and the surrounding wildlife.
Comprehensive monitoring of air quality, particulate matter
and dust emissions at the mine and plant sites will be
evaluated on an ongoing basis. The monitoring system is
based on international standards and includes measurement
of pollutants, sampling methods as well as meteorological
data analysis. Air quality monitors have been installed
within the perimeter of the mine and plant sites and provide
continuous monitoring of ambient air. These monitors
measure nitrogen dioxide (NO
2
), sulphur dioxide (SO
2
),
particulate matter and total dust.
Table 3: Total Emissions in Tonnes from Construction Fuel Consumption during 2010
GHGs
DMSA AMSA
Carbon dioxide (CO
2
)
40,385.3 41,4990
Methane (CH
4
) as volatile organic compounds carbon dioxide equivalency
37.3
38.3
Nitrous oxide (N
2
O) as NOx carbon dioxide equivalency
376.0
386.4
Subtotal emissions CO
2
40,798.6 41,923.7
Total emissions CO
2
for Ambatovy during 2010
82,722.3
