Environmental Assessment
Volume D-1
Process Plant
Alternatives Considered
Table 1-3
Analysis of Alternatives – Process Plant Location
Alternative
Engineering
Relative
Cost
Environmental
Social
Toamasina
(preferred)
minimal logistics
support (transportation
requirements between
plant and port)
moderate
capital, lower
operating
costs
zoned for industrial use greater public
acceptance due to
zoning
closer to labour force
mine site
higher logistics (bulk
transport)
moderate
capital,
higher
operating
costs
greater impact with
increased logistical
support (traffic between
plant and port)
advantage of no
pipeline requirement
greater interaction with
public from
transportation
requirements between
plant and port
Brickaville
moderate site
preparation
moderate
capital,
moderate
operating
costs
not zoned as industrial
site, additional land use
issues
less amenable to
existing land use
Table 1-4
Analyses of Alternatives – Proven Plant Water Sources
Alternative
Engineering
Relative Cost
Environmental
Social
Ivondro River
(main option)
minimal treatment
close proximity
lower capital, lower
operating costs
minimal impact because of
size and flow of Ivondro
river
minimal
impact
slurry pipeline
(also to be used)
restricted base on
pipeline minimum
solids content
moderate capital
and moderate
operating costs
potential, greater impact if
larger pipe required
minimal
impact
tailings pond
return water
(also to be used)
additional treatment lower capital,
moderate operating
costs
reduces discharge to
ocean
minimal
impact
Ambatovy Project
3
January 2006
