Anglo-American to Oppose Appeal in Zambian Lead Poisoning Lawsuit

Johannesburg, South Africa — Mining giant Anglo-American announced today its intention to oppose an appeal by a group of Zambian women and children who are suing the company for alleged mass lead poisoning.

This legal battle traces back to toxic exposure claims from a lead mine in Zambia's Kabwe district, where Anglo-American South Africa (AASA) held a stake from 1925 until 1974.

The Johannesburg High Court recently permitted the claimants to appeal against a prior decision that dismissed their class action lawsuit against AASA. This lawsuit contends that over 140,000 individuals may have suffered lead poisoning over generations due to the mine’s operations.

Despite expressing sympathy for the affected individuals in Kabwe, Anglo-American maintains that it is not responsible for the situation.

The company's firm stance comes as the Johannesburg High Court's Justice Leonie Wendell found "compelling reasons to grant the appeal," highlighting that the appeal shows "reasonable prospects of success."

Representing the claimants, Mbuyisa Moleele Attorneys and Leigh Day described the court's decision to allow the appeal as a "crucial step towards achieving justice" for the impacted women and children.

The legal teams argue that there is clear evidence supporting the allegations, citing severe health impacts on the local population from as early as the 1970s, including children suffering and dying from lead poisoning, with many exhibiting dangerously high blood lead levels.

The case is set to proceed to South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal later this year, continuing a significant legal challenge that underscores ongoing environmental and health issues associated with historical mining activities.