Queensland, Australia – 15/04/08. The multinational mining company Xstrata, which operates and owns 50% of Argentina’s largest mine, Bajo La Alumbrera, is facing legal action in Australia over pollution produced at its mining and smelting operations in Mount Isa, located in the north of Australia. Queensland Health Minister, Stephen Robertson, confirmed that 45 children have been found to have dangerously high blood-lead levels, which could lead to behavioural problems and affect intellectual development. Steve de Kruijff, who is in charge of Xstrata’s operations in the area, claimed that the high levels of lead occurred “naturally” in the region.

Source: Reuters

The multinational mining company Xstrata, which operates and owns 50% of Argentina’s largest mine, Bajo La Alumbrera, is facing legal action in Australia over pollution produced at its mining and smelting operations in Mount Isa, located in the north of Australia. Queensland Health Minister, Stephen Robertson, confirmed that 45 children have been found to have dangerously high blood-lead levels, which could lead to behavioural problems and affect intellectual development.

Law firm Slater and Gordon is preparing the case against Xstrata on behalf of Stella Hare, mother of two of the children affected. Analysis of their blood revealed high levels of lead, selenium, cadmium and arsenic. Other families who have been affected are planning to bring similar actions.

Steve de Kruijff, who is in charge of Xstrata’s operations in the area, stated that “since our involvement began in 2003, we have spent millions of dollars on improving the environmental performance of the company”. According to Kruijff, the high levels of lead occur “naturally” in the region.

The Mount Isa complex produces 4% of the world’s lead.

For years federal prosecutors in Argentina have been trying to bring the company Bajo La Alumbrera to court, without success.