A site location that preserves the land and the natural environment

In choosing sites for the EMILI project, Imerys has endeavored to limit the project's impact on land as much as possible. Firstly, an underground mine has the advantage of using less land than an open-cast operation. The proximity of the Colette's forest, part of which is Natura 2000 classified, has been taken into account by Imerys, which is committed, via its environmental and social responsibility charter, to preserving biodiversity at all its sites from mining through to rehabilitation.

The conversion plant would cover between 30 and 40 hectares of industrial wasteland located north of Montluçon in a mixed zone of commercial, sporting and industrial activities. By not locating the plant in a previously undeveloped area, the project's impact on the natural environment will be considerably reduced. As for the train-loading platform, the plan is to set it up in a rural environment on cultivated land, close to a few hamlets. Its surface area will be limited to around 15 hectares, and discussions will be held with landowners and farmers to determine the appropriate compensation measures, and with local residents to ensure optimum integration into the landscape.