In a remote village in Madagascar, a group of 64 residents has taken legal action against the mining giant Rio Tinto, claiming that pollution from a nearby mine has led to dangerous levels of lead and uranium in their bodies. The QIT Minerals Madagascar (QMM) mine, majority-owned by Rio Tinto, is located in Fort Dauphin and has allegedly contaminated the surrounding lakes and waterways with toxic metals. This has put up to 15,000 people in the area at risk, as they rely on these water sources for their daily needs.

Blood tests conducted on the villagers have revealed elevated levels of lead that exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended thresholds, with one individual requiring chelation therapy to remove the excess lead from their bloodstream. The harmful effects of lead on children can lead to permanent brain damage, while exposure to uranium can affect the body’s development, increase cancer rates, and damage kidney function.

The QMM mine produces ilmenite, used in the manufacturing of titanium dioxide, a white pigment found in various products. Independent studies have shown that mine wastewater containing high levels of uranium and lead has been discharged into the environment, further exacerbating the pollution.

Lawyers from Leigh Day, a law firm representing the villagers, have highlighted the loss and damage suffered by their clients due to the mine’s operations. The residents, who rely on local waterways for their daily activities, are in urgent need of ongoing monitoring of lead levels in their blood and medical care, especially for high-risk groups like children and women of child-bearing age.

Despite Rio Tinto’s claims that the water bodies in the area have low levels of uranium, the villagers remain adamant about the pollution caused by the mine. The Anosy region, where the mine is located, is known for its ecological diversity but also faces high rates of poverty, food insecurity, and water scarcity.

Leigh Day partner Paul Dowling, representing the villagers, emphasized the importance of holding Rio Tinto accountable for the environmental and health damage caused by their operations. The residents seek justice and hope that the company will engage constructively with their claims to ensure access to clean water and necessary medical attention.

As the legal battle unfolds, more claimants are expected to join the fight for justice against the mining giant, highlighting the ongoing struggle of marginalized communities in the face of environmental degradation.