Imerys: an experienced and responsible player
With its experience and expertise, Imerys is well placed to develop the EMILI project in a responsible manner.
World leader in mineral specialities for industry, Imerys is a French company that transforms minerals into high added value specialities for its customers in a wide range of sectors (electric vehicles, construction, health and beauty, packaging, food, etc.).
Drawing on its people and its business expertise, the company operates in 40 countries through more than 200 industrial sites. In France, Imerys operates more than 30 sites, two-thirds of which are quarry-based.
Historical mining experience
Imerys has its roots in mining and metallurgy. Under the name Imetal until 1999, it brought together the activities of two mining companies: Minière et Métallurgique de Peñarroya (specialising in lead, zinc, germanium and indium) and Société le Nickel (mining in New Caledonia). At the turn of the millennium, the group changed its name to Imerys and focused on industrial minerals, becoming the world leader in just fifteen years.
Throughout this time, Imerys has always retained its geological and mining expertise. The rare resources the company mines require high-level geological expertise to identify, secure and develop them safely, sustainably and economically over the long term and ensure their renewal.
In this context, Imerys is active in several organisations working to develop a more sustainable, responsible and innovative industry. In France, the company is a member of Minéraux Industriels de France, an organisation founded in 1995 to develop knowledge and expertise sharing within its network.
Imerys is also a partner of the Chaire Industrie Minérale et Territoires (Mineral Industry and Territories Chair), which brings together the best academic skills in the French mineral industry to support citizens, public authorities, research and training centres and businesses in their thinking about choices related to mineral resource development projects.
At European level, Imerys, as a member of ESMA, an association that enables its members to cooperate on scientific and legislative issues, is part of the Industrial Minerals Europe network, which aims to develop a flourishing sector at the heart of a sustainable Europe.
Imerys' international technology centre based in Lyon
Innovation to meet industrial challenges
With almost 2,500 patents and 4,000 registered trademarks, innovation is a top priority for Imerys. In France, Imerys has two research and development centres, in Toulouse and Lyon.
The company has always relied on recruiting top experts and building partnerships with start-ups, universities and industrial players to unlock the potential of minerals and materials science.
For Imerys, innovation is an essential lever for meeting the major technological challenges facing all industrial operators. Imerys draws on its expertise to meet society’s future needs through advanced materials technologies, more sustainable minerals, smarter operating methods and a constant search for ways to contribute to circular and more sustainable economies.
Creating sustainable value for our customers
Systematic consideration of environmental issues
As a responsible industrial player, Imerys systematically assesses each new project against environmental and social criteria to meet its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) goals.
Imerys is committed to a process of continuous improvement in sustainability and accountability for all its projects, determined to be a proactive player in sustainable development.
For an outside view on these complex topics, the company has set itself ambitious CSR goals that are evaluated by internationally recognised external rating agencies. In its environmental charter, Imerys has committed itself to conserving biodiversity across all its sites, from the project phase through to end-of-life quarry rehabilitation.
Imerys is committed to act4nature international, a voluntary biodiversity initiative.
Imerys also demonstrates its commitment through its SustainAgility™ Solutions Assessment mechanism. This system makes it possible to incorporate the concept of sustainable development into all aspects of the company, from day-to-day decisions through to long-term strategy.
Reducing our environmental footprint
Unique human resources
The company employs 14,000 people worldwide, including geologists, mining engineers, Environment Health and Safety (EHS) specialists, and mineral processing and industrial project development experts, who it can rely on to develop this project, from R&D through to industrialisation.
