Environmental Assessment
Volume B-2
Mine
Project Description
Ambatovy Project
10
January 2006
2.4
CONSTRUCTION
Water for the construction phase will be supplied from existing streams on site,
using skid-mounted pumps. The water will be delivered to the mine site through
temporary piping. The water will be stored in above-ground tanks and purified
and chlorinated as necessary for construction and drinking purposes.
All surface water will be directed to drainage channels fitted with silt traps and
directed to the nearest water course.
The detailed layout for the construction camp will be prepared to accommodate
the approximately 600 skilled workers, artisans, supervisors and general labour.
The accommodation and wash houses will be portable and are to be partially
dismantled upon completion of the project execution phase. Additional facilities
will be dining rooms, kitchen, refrigeration, dry storage, television and games
room and telecommunication kiosks. Camp administration facilities will consist
of a reception area, security offices, post office, induction lecture room, tuck
shop and internet café.
All roads and services, including telecommunication ducting, electrical
reticulation and area lighting will be provided. The camp will be situated near
the ore processing plant. Potable water will be supplied from the plant site to
tanks at the camp. Before being stored the water will be circulated through the
water treatment facility. Sewage will be collected in holding tanks and septic
tanks, which will be serviced on a regular basis.
Laydown areas for contractors will be provided as terraced areas complete with
services located at central points as far as practically possible. Contractors will
supply their own equipment and facilities as required to execute their work, in
accordance with the terms of their contracts. Construction roads will be gravel
roads. A dust suppression program will be implemented.
2.5
MINING METHOD
Mining at Ambatovy and Analamay will use hydraulic back hoe or front shovels
and conventional haulage trucks to mine from the open pits and deliver ore to the
hopper at the slurry preparation plant. The material to be mined is all laterite,
which is completely weathered, and consequently has little rock strength.
Blasting will not be necessary as the shovels will be able to dig the material
without blasting.
