Ambatovy eBooks - page 5

2011
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
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For example:
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As part of our Biodiversity Offsets Program, in
March we carried out an expedition to the Ankerana
offset, the first time this area has ever been
scientifically studied.
3
The Ambatovy Information Centre opened in
Toamasina in May and a new site visit program was
launched, giving local stakeholders the opportunity
to view our facilities and learn about our activities.
3
An external expert audited the resettlement
program and identified key areas of focus going
forward. As a result of this audit, the Resettlement
Committee was reinvigorated and carried out public
consultations that provided the resettled communities
with a stronger channel of communication with our
management.
3
Our Supply Chain Management Department
implemented an anti-corruption training course,
which is now given to employees in a range of
key roles.
3
In September, we implemented the AIDE program,
an innovative program that provides temporary
assistance to construction contractor employees who
are making the transition to find new employment.
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Ambatovy paid more than US$212 million to
Malagasy suppliers and we organized the first
annual supplier conferences and training sessions
to help local entrepreneurs become better equipped
to work with us.
These achievements would not have been possible
without support from our stakeholders. The achievements
discussed in this report illustrate how we are addressing
the concerns of people affected by our activities, while
creating lasting value for our shareholders. We are well-
positioned to move forward into a successful operations
phase. I hope that you will join me in celebrating the
accomplishments and lessons learned in 2011. We look
forward to building on them during the operations phase.
Sincerely,
Mark Plamondon
President
Ambatovy
Message from Our President
I am very pleased to present
Ambatovy’s second annual
Sustainability Report. This
report reflects our continuing
commitment to fostering
sustainable economic
development in Madagascar.
In 2010, we began to integrate
sustainability reporting into our business. We launched
this process during the construction phase so that now,
as we prepare to enter the operations phase, it is a core
tool for monitoring and evaluating our sustainability
initiatives. The goals and concerns related to the
construction and commissioning periods are distinct
from those we will have during long-term operations. As
we approach start-up of commercial production, we see
the need to balance our sustainability priorities relevant
to each stage of our business. Throughout the last
year, we implemented programs and policies to serve
both the short-term needs and long-term goals of our
shareholders, employees and other stakeholders. This
year’s report is a valuable tool that allows us to reflect on
our progress and to identify areas for improvement.
Ambatovy’s vision is to develop and operate a sustainable
metals enterprise that contributes to Madagascar and
delivers outstanding safety, environmental, social
and economic results. Nickel is set to become one
of Madagascar’s most valuable exports, bringing in
significant returns and building the country’s productive
capacity. To build up a secure and sustainable business,
we need to ensure we have the right people in place
with adequate training for safe operations. We must also
have effective procedures so that our operations do not
compromise environmental assets such as a local water
supply or biodiversity. Finally, we must ensure meaningful
engagement with our stakeholders, so that they may
have accurate and timely information about our activities
to maintain awareness of safety issues, economic
opportunities and our commitment to sustainable
development.
The year 2011 was a critical time of preparation for
sustainable operations. We achieved several milestones
related to construction and commissioning that will pave
the way for sustainable operations. We also worked to
put in place management systems that would ensure
that we conduct our business openly and responsibly.
Several key social, environmental and economic
initiatives were undertaken throughout the year.
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