Environmental Assessment
Volume B-5.2
Mine
Cultural Property
Ambatovy Project
351
January 2006
5.2
CULTURAL PROPERTY
5.2.1
Introduction
This section presents the Environmental Assessment for the effects of the mine
on cultural resources, as per the Ambatovy Project (the project) Terms of
Reference.
5.2.2
Study Area
The mine Local Study Area (LSA) used for the cultural property impact
assessment comprises the footprint area of the mine (Volume A, Section 7,
Figure 7.2-1). Some cultural resources have been identified outside of the
current footprint area, and are included in this study for the sake of completeness.
5.2.3
Baseline Summary
The following provides a summary of the results of cultural resources studies that
have been conducted within the LSA. A complete description of the baseline
methods, analysis and results is located in Volume K, Appendix 2.1.
5.2.3.1 Methodology
Pre-field work consisted of analyzing the results of previous historical studies
completed in the general region. Regional toponyms were also studied, as place-
names can assist in reconstructing the particular history of an area.
Fieldwork was completed at Ambatovy between April and May 2004.
Systematic pedestrian transects were used to visually inspect the study area.
Local expertise was also consulted by questioning villagers about the locations of
any known archaeological or cultural sites in the area. A global positioning
system (GPS) was used to plot the coordinates of sites found during the survey.
5.2.3.2 Site Diversity
Table 5.2-1 illustrates the different kinds of cultural sites that are known to exist
in the general region.
