Madagascar Villagers Sue Mining Giant Over Lead Poisoning

Villagers in Madagascar are suing Rio Tinto, a major mining company, claiming the company's mine has polluted nearby lakes and rivers with lead and uranium.

The 64 residents of the Anosy region accuse the mine, which is majority-owned by Rio Tinto, of contaminating lakes and waterways, affecting up to 15,000 people who rely on these sources for drinking and domestic use. They say the contamination caused high lead levels in their blood and needed medical attention.

Rio Tinto denies the accusations and say its water management systems are safe.

InFocus

Anosy region water source.

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.