2010
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
3
Text
on how negative impacts could be avoided, managed or
mitigated and how positive impacts could be enhanced. We
have since worked to create and implement a wide range
of policies, programs and initiatives to support substantial
job creation, capacity-building and training, in-country
procurement, world-class environmental protection and
biodiversity offsets programs.
In preparing this report, we have benefited from the G3
Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative. Since we are
not currently in production, many of the G3 indicators do
not yet apply. Nevertheless, we thought we should report
on our progress thus far to give our stakeholders a timely
assessment of our performance and to sensitize our own
organization to the importance of sustainability reporting.
As we transition from the construction to the operational
phase in 2012, the substance of our reporting will change
significantly. What will not change is our commitment to
strong performance and transparency.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our
staff and stakeholders who have contributed so much to
Ambatovy’s achievements during the construction phase.
I look forward to continuing success as we move
into production.
I hope that all Ambatovy stakeholders will find this report
useful and would be grateful to receive suggestions on
how we might improve our sustainability performance
and reporting.
Sincerely,
Elvin Saruk
President
Ambatovy
A1. Message from Our President
I am very pleased to introduce the first Sustainability Report
for the Ambatovy Project. It reflects the commitment of all of
the Ambatovy partners – Sherritt International Corporation,
Sumitomo Corporation, Korea Resources Corporation and
SNC-Lavalin Incorporated – to the principles of sustainable
development and to reporting on our efforts and results in a
transparent fashion.
The Ambatovy partners have never underestimated the
challenges of constructing and operating a major industrial
project in Madagascar. The country is blessed with natural
resources and a rich environment with many unique
species, but it is struggling with high rates of poverty and
low socio-economic indicators. During the construction
period we met with a number of challenges to sustainability,
ranging from planned and unexpected environmental
impacts to the concerns of our workforce and local
communities. Our partners recognize that the development
of Madagascar’s natural resources will play a key role
in improving the quality of life for the Malagasy people.
Nevertheless, we as investors must be mindful of the need
to respect the country’s vital eco-system and the social
licence to operate.
This report outlines the national and international
standards to which Ambatovy is committed. Some contain
mandatory requirements, while others are voluntary.
Ambatovy prides itself on going beyond legal obligations
in its social and environmental performance. We strive to
be at the leading edge of the minerals sector in terms of
sustainability and stakeholder engagement practices. This
report describes in detail the efforts we are undertaking to
verify that our performance meets our commitments.
Prior to construction, Ambatovy conducted a rigorous
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, which
involved a comprehensive analysis of all of the Project’s
impacts. Ambatovy consulted a wide range of Malagasy
stakeholders who provided valuable insights and guidance
