13
2012 - AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Throughout 2012, Ambatovy
worked to conserve forests around
the mine footprint and to prepare for
reclamation of the footprint itself.
Construction of a research and
production nursery was completed,
with a capacity to produce over
250,000 plants annually and equip-
ped with a poly-tunnel and other
experimental facilities to determine
the optimal cultivation methods
and conditions for successful plant
production. In addition, Ambatovy
began the construction of an
industrial nursery for growing
seedlings and an arboretum for
demonstrating Ambatovy’s plant
conservation efforts. Field resto-
ration trials continued to generate
useful information for the rehabilitation
program.
During 2012, Ambatovy continued to support a micro-
propagation facility at the University of Antananarivo’s
Department of Plant Sciences, which focuses on the
production of rare plants from tissue culture and which
has developed microproagation protocols for almost
50 species. Ambatovy also began working with France’s
Institute for Research and Development to identify the
role of mycorrhiza, a natural fungi occurring in soil that
may increase resistance to drought and disease.
Ambatovy’s own plant production systems are
complemented by a series of five village/community
nurseries, which will help to provide plants for the
rehabilitation of the mine footprint. At the same time,
the nurseries provide a source of income for the
community and foster local ownership and participation
in the reclamation process.
Forest and Wetland Conservation
Ambatovy supports the protection of over 25,000 ha of
forests and wetlands, located both on-site and off-site.
Ambatovy’s conservation efforts span an area that is
almost fifteen times the size of the mine footprint. The
conservation gains at these sites are offsetting the
residual biodiversity losses caused by the mine
footprint
2
so as to achieve Ambatovy’s goal of no net
loss, and preferably a net gain, in biodiversity.
Within the mine lease area, Ambatovy is working
to conserve approximately 3,600 hectares of forest.
The Mine Conservation Zone serves as a buffer zone
to absorb fauna migrating out of the mine footprint. It
also serves as a seed bank to facilitate future ecological
restoration of the mine footprint.
Northeast of the mine, is the Ankeniheny-Zahamena
Forest Corridor (CAZ) where Ambatovy is working with
Conservation International to protect 6,800 ha of rainforest
2
Compared to our 2011 Sustainability report, our projected net gain has increased from 18,000 ha, as we now include the Torotorofotsy Wetlands since
we are supporting conservation efforts there.
