Villagers get victory in Vedanta pollution case as Supreme Court rules their case can be heard in the UK
The Supreme Court dealt a blow against London-based miner Vedanta Resources today as it ruled a case brought against the firm by Zambian villagers can be heard in the UK.
More than 1,800 Zambians allege that toxic waste from a copper mine run by KCM, a subsidiary of Vedanta, damaged land and waterways, destroying their livelihood and impacting health.
Read more: Moody's puts Vedanta on downgrade watch after deal which perplexed analysts
After a four-year battle the Supreme Court today agreed with villagers’ claims that English courts have jurisdiction in the case. Lawyers said they were unlikely to get justice in the Zambian court system, which lacks the expertise and funding to bring such a case.
It is a landmark judgement which could see more firms be tried in the UK for alleged crimes committed abroad.
Martyn Day, a lawyer at Leigh Day who represented the claimants, said: “I hope this judgment will send a strong message to other large multinationals that their Corporate Social Responsibility policies should not just be seen as a polish for their reputation but as important commitments that they must put into action.”
Read more: Anglo American share price spikes on $7bn Vedanta deal report
Vedanta and KCM said: “The judgment of the UK Supreme Court is a procedural one and relates only to the jurisdiction of the English court to hear these claims. It is not a judgment on the merits of the claims. Vedanta and KCM will defend themselves against any such claims at the appropriate time.”
It is not the first time the firm has stirred controversy. Last year police in India killed 13 as they opened fire on protesters demanding a Vedanta copper smelter be shut down for alleged pollution.