Imerys invests in water treatment plant to meet environmental regulations
Our site in Glomel, France, has inaugurated a water treatment plant that further reduces manganese concentration in water discharge.
Imerys has invested in an innovative water treatment plant at our Glomel site in France, as part of our efforts to care for the local environment.
Water treatment regulations for manganese concentration
2020 environmental regulation includes a decrease of the current threshold of manganese concentration in the water discharge, from 10mg/l to 2mg/l by 2024. This decision was made to better protect the environment, and we have risen to the challenge, investing in state-of-the-art water treatment technology at our andalusite production facility in Glomel. Although our former treatment system met the new regulations, it relied on lime addition and could only remove part of the manganese.
A sustainable process for andalusite production
In 2021, we began discussions with water treatment experts from Veolia to establish the best approach to ensure we meet the regulations, and we ultimately developed a multi-step process involving ozonation, remineralization and clarification. Excavation work began in early 2023, and this advanced system has been operational at Glomel since April 2024. It eliminates more than 95% of the manganese, ensuring the site can consistently discharge water that meets the 2mg/l threshold and allowing sustainable andalusite production to continue uninterrupted. This project represents an investment of more than €6 million, with an annual operating cost of €250,000.
Gautier Verduyn, Project Manager, says: “This new water treatment facility's robust and scalable design provides the flexibility to adapt and grow, safeguarding the local environment while ensuring uninterrupted mining operations.”
The project was executed seamlessly, with no interruptions to andalusite operations and an excellent safety record.
“With the implementation of the new treatment system, Imerys can confidently look towards the future,” concludes Gautier. “We now have the capability to consistently meet environmental regulations and ensure the smooth operation of Glomel.”
Yesterday, Imerys renewed its partnership with PatriNat, a French national public organization under the joint supervision of the National Museum of Natural History, thereby reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity protection. This successful collaboration embodies our determination to take concrete action to protect and restore ecosystems around our operating sites.
Imerys has rehabilitated its Savins quarry around the town of Provins in France, and located in a prominent farming area. The project has created an area rich in biodiversity. Particularly, the body of water has, among other successes, allowed the colonization of dozens of species of flora and fauna.
After decades of operation the Foufouilloux Nord site has been in the hands of nature and its biodiversity since 2014.
Imerys formally continues two key relationships that support its role in biodiversity preservation.