Residents around a mine in Madagascar are taking legal action against UK/Australian mining giant Rio Tinto after tests showed dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
The 64 residents of the Anosy region in southern Madagascar accuse the QIT Minerals Madagascar (QMM) mine in Fort Dauphin, which is 80% owned by Rio Tinto of contaminating surrounding lakes and waterways with the toxic metals.
Residents numbering over 15,000 rely on the water sources for their drinking and domestic use.
Lab samples in Fort Dauphin have also indicated elevated levels of lead in their bodies that exceed World Health Organisation thresholds beyond which medical care is recommended.
An individual with such high levels of lead had to receive chelation therapy to remove it from his bloodstream. The villagers cannot afford the medical care that they now need.
Lead is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women, causing permanent brain damage that can lead to a range of cognitive and behavioural disorders.
Exposure to uranium can damage the body’s development, particularly in children and pregnant women, as well as causing cancer rates and internal organ malfunction.
Independent studies have shown that mine wastewater containing high levels of uranium and lead has been discharged into the surrounding environment. The QMM mine produces ilmenite, which is used to manufacture titanium dioxide, a white pigment used in paints, food, cosmetics, and other items.