2010
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
55
Text Annex 1: Major Stakeholders by Group
Local Communities
The support, cooperation and well-being of the local
communities in which we operate are at the heart of
Ambatovy’s stakeholder engagement policy. We understand
that the individuals who make up these communities are the
very people who can be most impacted by the Project and
they are therefore important to us. The communities around
our sites are represented by individuals, leaders and local
associations and our interactions take on a variety of forms.
For example, we meet regularly with the
tangalamena
, or
local elders, from project-affected communities. Our CSR
field agents conduct regular visits to Project-Affected Persons
(PAPs), particularly those from the resettlement villages.
In 2010, we initiated steps to work with local and regional
coordination committees in Moramanga and Toamasina,
which are comprised of local authorities and community
leaders.
Civil Society
Ambatovy is pleased to partner with a number of civil society
organizations to build strong community relations and
support the development of the communities in which we
work. These organizations may receive technical or financial
assistance, provide technical expertise or facilitate effective
communication with local communities. See Annex 2 for a
complete list of these partners.
Government and Regulatory Bodies
Compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices
in the mining sector is fundamental to success. We strive
to have an open and transparent relationship with the
Government of Madagascar and the regulatory bodies that
oversee our construction and operations. We meet with
relevant ministries and authorities on national, regional and
local levels. For example, we regularly meet with and report
to the National Environment Office (ONE) and the Large-
Scale Mining Investments Committee. In addition, we consult
mayors and other local representatives of the communities
where we work. Finally, we work in cooperation with
international voluntary oversight bodies, such as the Business
Biodiversity Offsets Program (BBOP) and the Extractive
Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
Media
We recognize the importance of disseminating clear and
timely information about our activities. We endeavour to
be open and consistent with the media, providing accurate
information both nationally and internationally. We work
with local media outlets to ensure transparent, effective
and widespread communication. To cite one important
example, we have worked with the media to communicate
safety procedures around Project sites to the general
public. Ambatovy also regularly issues press releases and
newsletters and offers tours to foreign and national journalists.
Financial Community
The financial community plays an integral role in supporting
our operation. Critical financial stakeholders include the
Project partners and lending institutions. Ambatovy received
the largest-ever project financing in sub-Saharan Africa,
involving a consortium of 14 lenders. This consortium is
comprised of government-sponsored export credit agencies,
international development and commercial banks. In addition,
we communicate through the Project partners to financial
and industry analysts who assess commodity markets. We
communicate with these stakeholders through a number of
channels, such as quarterly releases, regular meetings and
conference calls.
Business Community
Ambatovy is a member of a supply chain and our suppliers
and customers are integral stakeholders. While our suppliers
come from around the world, as a part of our commitment to
the sustainable development of Madagascar, we endeavour
to select local producers and suppliers whenever possible.
ALBI sources from and offers technical support to local
enterprises. This has resulted in local enterprises supplying a
range of goods, such as employee uniforms, cafeteria produce
and pallets for product transportation. Finally, we engage
regularly with the business community in Madagascar. We
are a member of the Chamber of Mines of Madagascar as
well as the Madagascar Business Association
GEM
) and the Madagascar
Industries Union
, SIM
).
Workforce and Contractors
Ambatovy is committed to maximizing national employment
and developing a skilled local workforce. Thousands
of Malagasy employees at the Project have received
construction, technical and administrative training. Investing in
such programs ensures that they will be able to assume roles
with increased responsibilities during the operations phase.
The partnerships we maintain with local technical schools
assure capacity-building for the Project workforce and also for
the wider local population. Furthermore, Ambatovy employees
are held to a code of conduct that governs behaviour both
on and off the worksite to promote a positive impact from the
interaction of our staff with local communities.
2010
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
