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.

Zijin Mining Group, the largest gold mine in China, is being sued for 170 million yuans (26 million dollars) for damages caused when the water from its tailing pond burst a dam, flooded residential areas and left 22 dead in the city of Xinyi, a local court official stated on Thursday.