Mine Site Conservation
The Mine Site is located in a biodiversity-rich area and requires extreme care to minimize impacts.
3
Forest and forest connectivity: Ambatovy has undertaken the management of large forested areas
as biodiversity offsets. These include forests around the Mine area known as the Mine conservation
forests, other sites contiguous with the Mine conservations forests, and a large forest offsite area
called the Ankerana offset. The conservation forests around the Mine consist primarily of ‘zonal’
or dense humid mid-altitude forests typical of the region amounting to 4,900 ha. Conservation
of these forests is underpinned by a land lease awarded to Ambatovy by the Government, which
grants Ambatovy the mandate to manage the forests effectively.
3
‘Azonal forest’ sites: two areas of atypical forest – known as azonal forest – lying over the ore body
have been set aside to preserve examples of this habitat. These areas will not be mined despite the
valuable nickel ore lying beneath them.
3
Rehabilitation: Ambatovy will restore a multifunctional forest on the Mine’s footprint through
progressive revegetation. The rehabilitation program has been designed in close consultation with
local stakeholders. A ten-year rehabilitation plan is currently being implemented. An industrial-scale
production nursery will be constructed in 2011 and operated as part of this plan, complimented by
community nurseries. A research nursery, devoted to experimenting with a variety of species and
cultivation methods, will help identify optimal conditions for successful rehabilitation.
3
Analamay-Mantadia forest corridor: Ambatovy is spearheading the establishment of a forest
corridor between Mine-area forests and a nearby rainforest – the Ankeniheny-Zahamena corridor.
3
Torotorofotsy Ramsar wetland ecosystem: the Torotorofotsy wetland lies 10 km to the east of
the Mine Site and covers 9,900 ha. Given its proximity to the Mine, Ambatovy is working with
the Government of Madagascar and local NGOs to support the design and implementation of a
comprehensive wetland management plan.
Map of Environmental Sites near the Mine
Environmental Management (continued)
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AMBATOVY – SUPPORTING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
