Evion Group NL (ASX:EVG) has finalised an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for Maniry Graphite Project in Madagascar with the independent assessment, executed by Resolve Consulting, evaluating the potential environmental and social effects of the proposed development and associated operations.
Conforming to international best practices, Maniry's operations will adhere to IFC Performance Standards on environmental and social sustainability, as detailed in the assessment. This report will be forwarded to Madagascar's National Office for the Environment (ONE) for review and permitting.
Evion's managing director Tom Revy voiced his confidence in the project following the assessment, noting the significant environmental and social merits of Maniry.
"The project is already making a substantial financial and social contribution to the community of Maniry, as demonstrated by the recently-completed primary school built by Evion,” Revy said.
"This will continue to increase as development ramps up, creating jobs and training opportunities for the people of Maniry for many years, as well as generating substantial revenues to help fund government services.
"Maniry will also provide much-needed graphite for the production of lithium batteries, meaning the project will play an important role in the decarbonisation process, further underpinning its strong environmental credentials."
Local appointments
To bolster its ESIA expertise, Evion has recently brought on board two additional consultants from Madagascar.
Carl Andriamparany, former general secretary of the Ministry of Mines, will oversee the permitting and licensing stage, while Dr Razafiharison Andriamanantena, an expert in anthropology and environmental management, will advise on community matters.
Carl Andriamparany
The former general secretary of the Ministry of Mines is a specialist permit and licensing consultant brought in to oversee the permitting and licensing stage during the pre- to post-construction phases for the Maniry Project.
Andriamparany will work with existing staff in Evion’s Antananarivo office in preparing and submitting all necessary documentation.
Dr Razafiharison Andriamanantena
Dr Andriamanantena has held the position of chancellor of the University of Toliara, Madagascar, since 2019. His speciality area includes anthropology, environmental management and sustainable community development in the southern area of Madagascar.
He will act as a key adviser to the company on key community matters having been raised in the project area and being familiar with the local dialect and social customs.
Dr Andriamanantena also served on the board of ONE from 2015 to 2016.