AngloGold sued for harmful emission from treatment plant

The Pompora Treatment Plant (PTP) of the AngloGold Smoke Effect Association (PASEA) has filed a suit against the AngloGold Ashanti demanding payment of compensation for injuries its members have suffered from chemical emissions by the mining company.

The association is also seeking an order to restrain AngloGold Ashanti from resuming its operations at the PTP site without due adherence to strict statutory procedures.

It is also praying the court to direct the AngloGold Ashanti to finance the general medical screening of the residents within its area of operations.

The association filed the suit at the Kumasi High Court (Human Rights, Labour and Crimes Division) after its negotiation with the AngloGold Ashanti on the payment compensation had broken down.

In its statement of claim, the association said its members and other residents had been affected by emission of harmful quantities of gaseous chemicals and fumes into the atmosphere by the AngloGold Ashanti.

Again, the plaintiffs claimed that they had suffered infections as a result of uncontrolled harmful chemical pollutants and contaminants emitted from the operation of the defendant.

The plaintiff said its members had resided within the Obuasi suburbs of Tutuka, Sampsonkrom, Anyimadukrom, Korkorteasua, Abompekrom, PTP Residential Quarters and its surrounding cottages where they had, and continue to have their farms and other businesses.