UK Copper Firms Settle Pollution Claim With Zambian Villagers

Six years ago, Zambian villagers brought a legal claim against UK mining firms, Vendanta Resources Limited and Kokola Copper Mines.

The claim focused on the toxic discharge from the mining that affected 2,500 people, including 643 children, living near the Nchanga Copper Mine in the villages of Shimulala, Kakosa, Hippo Pool and Hellen. In a statement issued, the firms said: “Without admission of liability, Vedanta Resources Limited and Konkola Copper Mines Plc confirm that they have agreed, for the benefit of local communities, the settlement of all claims brought against them by Zambian claimants represented by English law firm Leigh Day,” writes Radio France Internationale.

After six years of seeking damages for the pollution that has affected their lives, more than 2,500 Zambian villagers have been awarded a settlement by a UK company and its Zambian copper mining subsidiary.

“Without admission of liability, Vedanta Resources Limited and Konkola Copper Mines Plc confirm that they have agreed, for the benefit of local communities, the settlement of all claims brought against them by Zambian claimants represented by English law firm Leigh Day,” according to the joint statement.

The claim focused on the toxic discharge from the mine that affected 2,500 people, including 643 children, living near the Nchanga Copper Mine in the villages of Shimulala, Kakosa, Hippo Pool and Hellen.

The population there earns its livelihood primarily by farming and fishing.
They claimed that the discharge from the mine polluted the drinking and bathing water, as well as that used for irrigation, leading to severe health problems.