The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo says a leak of toxic waste at a mine in neighboring Angola, which is partly owned by the world’s largest diamond miner, has killed 12 people and sickened thousands in the Central African country, deepening concerns on pollution the industry is often active in places difficult to control.
Congolese Environment Minister Eve Bazaiba told reporters on Thursday that she would seek compensation in Angola for the damage caused by the spill at the Catoca mine, in which Alrosa PJSC, listed in Moscow, owns a 41% stake. Located about 170 kilometers south of Angola’s northern border with the Congo, Catoca is one of the largest diamond mines in the world, with 6% of world production and 75% of Angola’s production.