Remediating environmental risks from past operations

Part of Umicore’s commitment to sustainability is managing and remediating environmental risks from past operations. A good example is the site of Viviez in southern France. A zinc refinery operated at the site from 1855 to 1987 when it was closed. Since then the site focuses exclusively on the transformation of zinc into beautiful building materials.

In 2002 Umicore started the largest industrial remediation project in France. It took five years just to complete negotiations with all the stakeholders.  They ranged from national ministries to municipality councils. Interested parties included politicians, doctors, environmental organisations and local residents.

See how Umicore continues to engage with community stakeholders and how their words are not wasted.