15
2012 - AMBATOVY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Waste Management Program
Another area of environmental concern for Ambatovy is waste minimisation and recycling. We manage waste following
the steps of ‘reduce, re-use, recycle and reclaim’ before the final option of responsible disposal.
In 2012, plastic waste was sent to a Toamasina company for conversion to marketable products for local and interna-
tional customers. Ambatovy also sent used lumber to local communities for use in furnishings. Ambatovy recycles oil,
and lubricants, scrap metal, and also composts food waste.
When recycling options are not available, the responsible disposal of waste is carried out in compliance with inter-
national regulations. Ambatovy does not ship any waste out of the country. We dispose treated residue in our Tailings
Management Facility - a secure, stabilized area where the residue is discharged for permanent safekeeping. In 2012,
about 116,000 m 3 of waste and sludge was disposed of at a landfill located 10 km from the plant site.
Monitoring Program
Land
Quarterly pipeline surveys were conducted in 2012 and the reported results are being used as the baseline to support
the management of the right-of-way (ROW), a road located above the buried pipeline that connects the mine and the
plant site. Findings show that the number of active erosion points decreased from 100 in the first quarter of 2012 to
57 by year end. This is a significant improvement compared with the 295 erosion points recorded in the fourth quarter
of 2010.
While heavy rains and cyclones in 2012 did not damage the pipeline itself, erosion levels increased on the ROW as
well as the access roads. Ambatovy mitigated these impacts through erosion point repairs and revegetation. In
addition, Ambatovy increased the scope of the monitoring program to include an assessment of vegetation growth
and to monitor the presence of invasive plant species.
Air & Water
In 2012, air quality monitors were installed within the perimeter of the mine and plant site and now provide continuous
monitoring of the ambient air.
During the year, we had one reportable environmental incident for which a report was submitted to the National
Environment Office. The incident involved an accidental release of sulphur dioxide from the plant. The low-level
emission at no time endangered the lives of people or animals in the area. The emission covered an area of
approximately 500 m long and 200 m wide and was located to the north of the plant site, beyond the fence line.
After the incident, Ambatovy improved its safety systems and formed an Ambatovy/community committee to ensure
that local residents are made aware of risks from living near the plant and know what to do in the event of an
emergency.
