True or False
a) Ambatovy relies mainly on foreign workers.
False
. To date, Ambatovy has created more than 22,000 direct jobs. As of December 2010, about
75% of these jobs were filled by nationals. Ambatovy has developed specific training programs and
internal promotion initiatives to transfer skills and allow for professional development. Investment
in such skills programs and initiatives will ensure that Malagasy employees assume key Operations
roles in the future.
b) Ambatovy is the biggest threat to deforestation in the country.
False
. Ambatovy’s total Mine footprint is 1,800 hectares. Ambatovy has designated 4,900 ha as buffer
zone forests around the footprint of the Mine for long-term conservation and multiple-use areas. To
restore forest connectivity, Ambatovy has also invested in an off-site conservation area consisting of
6,800 ha of endangered forest 71 km northeast of the Mine Site – 2,200 ha for multiple-use and 4,600
ha for core conservation. This forest area has similar ecological conditions to those found at the Mine
Site. By comparison, the current annual loss of Madagascar’s residual eastern rainforest due to slash-
and-burn agriculture, hunting and logging is approximately 14,000 ha.
c) Ambatovy produces radioactive cobalt.
False
. Nickel and cobalt are not radioactive. There is no radioactivity used in anywhere at Ambatovy.
Cobalt, however, can be transformed into radio isotopes for use in medical treatments. This will not
be done by Ambatovy. The National Environment Office has conducted scientific studies to reassure
the local population that any rumors concerning radioactivity are false.
d) Ambatovy is a major contributor to economic growth.
True
. Ambatovy’s $5.5 billion capital investment will support the country’s economic growth,
employment, foreign-exchange earnings, public revenues (through taxes, royalties, duties and other
fees), and contribute to direct investments. The infrastructure that remains will provide a basis for
more economic growth. The size and success of Ambatovy has the potential to draw other major
foreign investors to the country. Public revenue could be in the billions of dollars over Ambatovy’s
lifecycle. More than 500 local businesses have contracts with Ambatovy across 54 sectors.
Ambatovy has signed more than $1.2 billion in local contracts.
e) Ambatovy is mining gold and secretly exporting it to other countries.
False
. Ambatovy is not mining or producing gold. No gold exists in Ambatovy’s ore deposit. Once
production starts Ambatovy will produce nickel and cobalt along with ammonium sulphate fertilizer.
f)
There are no jobs in Ambatovy for people living in Moramanga or Toamasina.
False
. Ambatovy is committed to hiring locally. Ambatovy has made it a priority to recruit properly
qualified candidates locally – especially from Moramanga and Toamasina – for nearby jobs. This
commitment aims to maximize economic benefits for communities near Project sites.
g) Ambatovy has established a support program for demobilized workers.
True
. In line with being a socially responsible company indebted to those who contributed to
Construction, Ambatovy developed a program to assist former employees in their transition to other
opportunities. Ambatovy established Redeployment Centers in Toamasina and Moramonga. These
centers assist demobilized Malagasy workers get access to new jobs, specialized training, or other
income-generating activities through the Ambatovy Local Business Initiative. Ambatovy has also
launched the Assistance Initiative for Demobilized Workers. In recognition of Construction workers’
contributions, Ambatovy provides former employees with an allowance over several months to assist
them while they search for new jobs.
h) Local farmers benefit from economic growth generated by Ambatovy activities.
True
. Thousands of farmers now supply the newly established bulk purchasing centers, which buy
agricultural produce directly from the farmers and sell it on to larger customers including Ambatovy.
Farmers benefit from having access to a stable entity with which to do business.
i)
Ambatovy is a threat to Madagascar’s unique biodiversity.
False
. Ambatovy adheres to national and international environmental standards including those
outlined by the MECIE
1
, the International Finance Corporation and the Equator Principles. Ambatovy’s
environmental program is also monitored for compliance by regulators from the Government of
Madagascar, third parties who conduct periodic assessments for the lending institutions that
provided Ambatovy with project financing as well as a Scientific Consultative Committee made up of
national and international experts.
1
MECIE –
Mise En Compatabilite des Investissements avec l’Environnement
, a national decree concerning
environmental compliance for investment projects in Madagsacar.
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AMBATOVY – SUPPORTING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
