Imerys is moving ahead with the EMILI project and examining several proposals prompted by public comments

In the wake of the public comment period organized by France’s National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP), which lasted from March 11 to July 31, 2024, Imerys has been reviewing the recommendations in the summary of the public discussion. With renewed determination to pursue the project, Imerys is studying several proposals and addressing the needs voiced during the discussion. 

Robust participation with a common goal: carbon neutrality

Thanks to the wide range of formats for public comment organized by an independent commission, the level of participation was high, with more than 3,600 participants and nearly 600 contributions received based on the extensive information made available to the public. On September 30, the team responsible for this public debate issued its report, along with recommendations for the project owners and the French government. Imerys would like to thank all of the stakeholders for the quality of the discussion and for all the work that was accomplished.

This effort to enlist the local communities, members of the public, elected officials and private-sector organizations has once again demonstrated the level of public interest in the ecological transition in general and this project in particular, and is part of a strategic reflection on the most effective way to reconcile a sustainable future that respects our resources and environment with solutions that are appropriate to our mobility and travel needs.

Moving forward with an exemplary, responsible project and concrete commitments

Given the strategic importance of the EMILI project, now enhanced by contributions from all of the project’s stakeholders throughout the discussion, Imerys is reaffirming its commitments so as to carry out an exemplary, responsible project, with an emphasis on regional integration and transparent, ongoing dialogue with the public. Imerys’s commitments can be viewed on the new project website, emili.imerys.com. They include: 

- significantly reducing the use of chemicals at the Beauvoir site and discontinuing feldspar production;

- studying alternative locations for the loading site, to help ensure the site is properly integrated into the regional environment;

- conducting additional comprehensive environmental impact studies with the aim of communicating transparently with the public about resource management;

- creating bodies for public information and participation, in the form of site monitoring committees, to brief stakeholders on the findings of the various studies and describe any changes to the project.

These modifications to the EMILI project are consistent with the critical decisions made by the project owner from the outset to propose a responsible mining project that takes environmental concerns into account and is conducted for the benefit of the regions. 

Continued collaboration

In anticipation of an investment decision in 2027, the studies for the EMILI project will continue, notably to expand our knowledge of the environmental impact and take the necessary steps to manage and reduce that impact. At the same time, Imerys is committed to maintaining a dialogue with local communities, members of the public, elected officials and civil society organizations as part of an ongoing collaboration conducted under the auspices of the CNDP and its designated personnel.

Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.8 billion in revenue and 13,700 employees in 54 countries in 2023. The Group offers high value-added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast-growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts. 

Press contacts: 

Mathieu Gratiot : +33 (0)7 87 53 46 60 

Eric Legrand: + 33 (0)6 77 72 82 42

Victoria Rey (Primatice): + 33 6 26 94 54 79