Environmental Assessment
Volume B-3.10
Mine
Visual Aesthetics
Ambatovy Project
137
January 2006
3.10
VISUAL AESTHETICS
3.10.1 Introduction
This section presents the Environmental Assessment for the effects of the mine
on visual aesthetics. As per the Ambatovy Project (the project) Terms of
Reference, the viewshed for the mine landforms is determined and the potential
impacts on the nearest habitations or frequented viewpoints are evaluated.
3.10.2 Study Area
The mine Local Study Area (LSA) for visual aesthetics is an area within 5 km of
the major mine disturbances, as shown in Volume A, Figure 7.2-1. This study
area is designed to include the limits of the area in which the mine is close
enough to be a prominent visible feature within the local terrain.
3.10.3 Baseline summary
The ore bodies are located in a densely forested area. The remnants of an eroded
plateau make up the two ore bodies. To the west, the plateau is flanked by a
broad alluvial plain of the Mangoro River. To the east is the Torotorofotsy –
Mokaranana wetlands system and forested hills. Presently, views of the mine
area from all directions are dominated by lush vegetation, although when viewing
the surface of the Ambatovy and Analamay ore bodies from close range, it is
clear that the vegetation in these areas is stunted and has a different composition,
and that the Analamay ore body has especially sparse vegetation due to recent
fires. Views of the mine area are possible from several areas in the surrounding
landscape, including high areas on hilltops (including in Mantadia National
Park), roadways such as Route National (RN) 44, and various small towns and
agricultural areas.
Key viewpoints for this assessment must be accessible to the public during
project activity and must be within the project viewshed. The key viewpoints are
summarized in Table 3.10-1. Baseline views from key viewpoints M1 to M5 are
presented in Volume I, Appendix 11.1, Attachment 1, Photographs 4 through 8.
Additional details concerning baseline conditions are provided in Volume I,
Appendix 11.1.
