Summary
harbour. The table below summarizes predicted cargo movements for
the project.
Port of Toamasina – Predicted Ambatovy Cargo Movement
Through Mole B
Material
Import /
Export
Description
Annual Quantity
(tonnes nominal)
sulphur
import
dry bulk
700,000
coal
import
dry bulk
300,000
limestone
(a)
import
dry bulk
1,600,000
nickel sulphide
export
bagged
117,000
total
2,717,000
(a)
Limestone requirement is 1.5 – 1.6 Mt/a depending on limestone grade.
Two main alternatives, rail and truck, were considered for transport of
imported materials between the port and the plant and for export of metal
sulphides. For its reliability and lower social and environmental impact,
the railway alternative was selected, although some trucking will still
occur. The railway method requires the project to invest in extra railway
equipment, in addition to loading facilities at the port and unloading
facilities at the plant.
Railway just south of
Toamasina
The design of the port structures takes into account extreme storm
events. The berth would be vacated during cyclone activity. An initial
investigation of the wave penetration through the gap between Grand
Recif and the port breakwater indicated that wave penetration would not
be a problem for the extension.
Key Impacts and Mitigation
Main issues identified through consultation and through the professional
experience of the Malagasy and international EA team included:
•
a request for project proponents to cooperate with public works
companies and to provide training, so as to maximize opportunities
to create jobs for local people;
•
concern that design will take account of potential impacts from
cyclones;
•
concern over health and safety effects from increased road traffic in
the port area; and
•
concern of possible increased coastal erosion if the port extension
affects coastal currents.
January 2006
Ambatovy Project — 46
