2011
AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
59
Product Responsibility Goals
Prepare our internal processes so that we are able to
provide comprehensive product information and labelling
once in production.
Plan and commence steps to gain necessary and
voluntary certifications, such as ISO 9001.
2011 Results
q
Labels and Safety Data Sheets have been prepared
for nickel, cobalt and ammonium sulphate, consistent
with industry standards and the requirements of various
jurisdictions. Processes are in place to update these
documents as new information becomes available and as
regulations evolve.
q
We are on track and expect to have the third party review
necessary for certification take place in late 2013.
q
Major challenges encountered
q
Challenges en route to resolution
q
Good progress made toward goal
The Ambatovy Quality Policy is our formal commitment to
supplying defect-free products to all our customers. In order to
deliver on this commitment we must:
3
Understand the requirements as agreed with our
customers.
3
Communicate effectively with our customers and
suppliers.
3
Do our work correctly the first time.
3
Supply products at standards that meet our customers’
needs.
3
Practice effective communications about safety and
quality.
3
Involve all personnel.
3
Continuously improve everything we do.
3
Comply with applicable government laws and
regulations.
A practical way to put these strategies into place is to have a
formal management system in place. In 2010, Ambatovy began
implementing an internal quality management system and taking
steps to be certified under ISO 9001 as required by the London
Metal Exchange. We continued to work towards this system
throughout 2011. Moreover, we are working to create a series of
labels for each product and for each country where our products
will be sold, taking into account the different languages, safety
information and standard formatting for each destination country
.
Material Stewardship
Ambatovy’s production process involves industrial and
hazardous materials, such as chemicals and compressed
gas. Ambatovy has implemented detailed policies and
procedures on handling, transporting, storing, recycling and
disposing of such items. We also maintain safety data sheets
from suppliers on all hazardous materials and commodities
that we use. These data sheets are electronically accessible
to employees. Training is provided on proper handling
procedures and, where relevant, appropriate personal
protective equipment requirements for safe handling and use.
Our procurement and transportation handling procedures
are based on regulations from the International Air Transport
Association and the European Agreement Concerning
International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
When possible, we try to procure goods and services
that have a positive social or environmental return. ALBI
continued to work with local businesses to procure a range
of items for our business, such as pallets made from Forest
Stewardship Council-certified sources. Other examples
of major local procurement initiatives can be found in the
Market Presence section.
Product Responsibility Performance
Management Approach to Product Responsibility
About our Products
Our primary product is nickel, which is found in many of
the items people use every day. Two-thirds of worldwide
consumption of nickel is as a component of stainless
steel. Nickel and stainless steel using nickel can be found
in buildings, medical instruments, airplanes, household
tools and appliances, coins, rechargeable batteries,
portable computers and many more items.
Our secondary product, cobalt, is most often found
alongside nickel or copper. For centuries, cobalt has been
used to add vivid blues to glass and pottery. It is now used
in many industrial products, including catalytic processes
to produce cleaner fuels. Cobalt is also a key ingredient
for rechargeable batteries, particularly those used in
hybrid and electric vehicles.
Ammonium sulphate is an inorganic, highly water-soluble
salt that is used as an agricultural fertilizer. It lowers soil
pH and provides two major plant nutrients: nitrogen and
sulphur. Ammonium sulphate fertilizer can contribute
an excellent component of a complete agricultural
improvement plan.
