Lasting Infrastructure
Improving Transportation Infrastructure
Prior to Construction, Madagascar had little of the infrastructure required by a project of Ambatovy’s size.
In fact, construction activities began with virtually no supporting roads or utilities – making Ambatovy one
of the largest “greenfield” mining projects underway anywhere in the world.
Ambatovy has made a substantial investment in infrastructure that will benefit the public for years to
come. Additional efforts include:
3
Reducing isolation: approximately 100 km of public access roads and bridges have been built or
upgraded – including rural areas. As a result, 11 rural communities now have improved access to
markets and social services. Some of these roads, which had been closed since 1969, now have
bus service for the first time. The public-use roads were paid for by Ambatovy and represent a
lasting asset for these communities.
3
Avoiding sensitive areas: Ambatovy has a strict policy for planning the exact location of roads to
ensure minimal impact on the environment, cultural sites, and farmland.
3
Bypass roads: one at the Mine (16 km) and a second at the Tailings facility (10 km) were built for
safety and security reasons and to provide needed access to local populations. A new road (11 km)
that links the Port to the Plant is helping to reduce traffic congestion in Madagascar’s most important
port city.
Upgrading the Port of Toamasina
Ambatovy has invested in upgrading the Port facilities in Toamasina. In addition to extending Pier B to
include a fuel terminal, Ambatovy has also installed state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate the off-loading
of raw materials for transportation directly to the Plant Site. Once Ambatovy is in full production, an annual
average of 3.4 million tonnes of bulk raw materials will be brought in through the Port. Over $70 million has
been invested in the following Port-related infrastructure:
3
Increased capacity: the 234 m extension to Pier B and purchases of heavy equipment will increase
the Port’s capacity and enhance its standards. These modernizing investments will last at least 50
years, serving well beyond Ambatovy’s own needs.
3
Environmental standards: modern Port upgrades will ensure a safer, cleaner transfer of energy
products from tankers and bulk primary materials from cargo ships. Prior to any Port construction
activity, Ambatovy conducted extensive dust modeling studies to determine and verify safe
breathing levels based on air dispersion, particle size, and the equipment to be used. Amabtovy’s
new infrastructure at the Port has been designed and equipped with the latest protection systems
to monitor emission levels.
3
Railway improvements: an entirely new 12 km railway line was built in parallel to an existing line to
create the capacity needed to move commodities efficiently between the Port and the Plant Site.
Madgascar’s railway company, Madarail, will operate and maintain the new line and rolling stock.
Appropriate safety measures and railway crossing systems have been installed for pedestrians and
road traffic.
15
14
AMBATOVY – SUPPORTING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
