Glencore is facing legal action over pollution caused by its vast and lucrative copper operations in Zambia.

Glencore’s Mopani Copper Mines subsidiary has been a thorn in the firm’s side since its GBP 6 billion float in May last year, throwing up allegations of environmental recklessness and tax avoidance, which the company denies.

The Swiss based firm could find itself dragged through the courts after Zambian campaign group the Centre for Trade Policy and Development demanded the company explain itself or face a lawsuit.

In a letter obtained by the Daily Mail, lawyers for CTPD claim that the ‘leaching’ process used in copper production is causing sulphuric acid to leak into water used by communities living and working near the mine.

CTPD cites two incidents in 2008 and 2011 when residents reported ill effects due to suspected acid in drinking water. The letter warns that Glencore’s ‘mining methods are not consistent with the right to a safe and healthy environment and likely to threaten that right’.

(Sourced from www.thisismoney.co.uk)