Controlling environmental impact

Preserving the environment and biodiversity is a priority for Imerys, which does everything it can to minimize its environmental impact. Any industrial activity will have an impact on its environment. This will, of course, be the case for the EMILI project. In addition to the regulatory aspects, Imerys is committed to conserving biodiversity on all its sites, from the project phase through to end-of-life quarry rehabilitation. 

Many studies have been carried out to this end, including environmental impact studies, hazard studies, and specific additional studies relating to issues such as air, water, soil, noise, natural environments, landscape, cultural heritage, energy, health effects, tailings and residue management, post-mining management, etc. All these studies, carried out by independent experts, will continue over the coming months and will serve as a basis for applying for the various permits that the project will have to obtain.

environnement

Avoid, reduce and compensate

Each impact identified will be subject to the Avoid, Reduce, Compensate principle. 

Avoiding impact where possible, by choosing less sensitive sites and adapting plans so as to bypass ecologically sensitive areas.

Reducing impact that cannot be completely avoided by using cleaner technologies, optimising processes and adopting more responsible practices. 

Compensating for any remaining impact through measures such as habitat restoration, protection of certain areas, or any other necessary actions. 

Committed scientific partners

The Beauvoir kaolin site already works closely with recognised scientific partners in the field of biodiversity, such as the French forestry commission (ONF) and the Allier Conservancy of Natural Areas (CEN), on the management of Avoid Reduce Compensate measures for the existing quarry. 

Key figures

More than 16 studies carried out or still to come on water, the environment, natural habitats, landscape, risks, carbon footprint, socio-economic impact and spillovers.


 

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions about the environment

See all the FAQs

What will happen if pollution occurs? Will Imerys accept responsibility?

Imerys will implement a complaints and queries mechanism, in advance of the commercial project and through to the post-mining stage, to track any social and environmental impacts and access remedies if necessary.

Will odours emanate from any of your sites?

The chemicals used inside the concentration plant buildings will not give off odours that could affect local residents.

At the loading site, the products handled (lithiniferous mica concentrate and feldspathic sand) are odourless.

As regards the conversion site, the products used do not naturally give off any particular odour.

Won’t the mining activity endanger the surrounding Natura 2000 sites?

No. Underground lithium mining limits the project's footprint and hence the impact on ecosystems.
The only Natura 2000 areas that could be affected by the developments are the Forêt des Colettes area for the pipeline to pass under the departmental road (and hence outside the forested area) and the Gorges de la Sioule area for the pumping point.
According to the initial results of the hydrogeological study, the impact on water levels under the Forêt des Colettes will be very limited. All the more so as measures could be taken to waterproof certain parts of the galleries if needed, to avoid or limit water infiltration.
The impact studies to be carried out will systematically include an analysis of the impact on the Natura 2000 site.

Is the summit of La Bosse going to be razed to the ground?

No. Choosing to mine the deposit underground avoids the impact of open-cast mining and will preserve the summit of La Bosse.

What sources of dust emissions will there be?

The choice of an underground mine means that dust emissions are greatly limited, particularly during ore loading operations and during the first part of the crushing process.

To reduce the dust raised by the movement of machinery on surface tracks, they may be sprayed with water.

In addition, the quantities and nature of this dust will be monitored, controlled and will comply with the standards in force.

Do electric vehicles really have a better carbon footprint than internal combustion vehicles?

A Carbone 4 study shows that in France, on average, an electric car has a carbon footprint almost three times smaller than an internal combustion car after 150,000 kilometres; even within the European Union, an electric vehicle has a carbon footprint half that of an internal combustion vehicle.

Source: https://www.carbone4.com/analyse-faq-voiture-electrique

Are electric vehicles really essential to the energy transition?

According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), “Electric vehicles powered by low emissions electricity offer the largest decarbonisation potential for land-based transport, on a life cycle basis.”

Source: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-3/
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