Environmental Assessment
Volume B-3.2
Mine
Geology and Geochemistry
Ambatovy Project
26
January 2006
3.2.3
Impact Assessment
3.2.3.1 Assessment Methods
There is one valid impact pathway for geology: the project will result in a
removal of economic geologic resources from the mine area. This impact is
discussed qualitatively.
There is one valid impact pathway for geochemistry: the project will result in
exposure of rock surfaces from which metals may leach, resulting in effects on
water quality.
The linkage diagram for geology and geochemistry is provided in Volume H,
Appendix 9.
Derivation of Input Water Qualities for Mine Water Quality Model
The Mine Water Quality Model is used to predict potential water quality impacts
to the receiving environment (Volume B, Section 3.9). The model consists of
several catchments in which mine facilities contribute runoff. For each of these
facilities, an input water quality was developed from available geochemical
information. This section describes the derivation of these input water qualities.
Derivation of Input Water Qualities
The various facilities included in the model are as follows:
Ambatovy:
•
waste stockpile;
•
west pit;
•
south pit;
•
southeast pit;
•
ferricrete stockpile;
•
low grade stockpile; and
•
ore stockpile.
Analamay:
•
waste stockpile;
