Ensuring the industrial safety of the site
As with any industrial project, studies will be carried out to identify the risks and determine the measures to be implemented.
Underground mines are just as safe as open-cast mines, particularly because operations are automated. Sub-level blasting, as will be practiced at the Beauvoir site, is a safe and commonly used method. Explosives would be used. This is a standard practice and has already been used in the kaolin quarry. The use of explosives is reserved for specialist operators and strict safety procedures are followed.
The use of chemicals should be limited. These products are commonly used in other industries and are regulated. Their handling is therefore controlled by professionals with the proper training. In addition, Imerys has chosen safe processes for the conversion plant, such as calcination, which avoids the need to use large quantities of acids.