Chinese miner dragged to court
Zimbabwe Environmental Law Associations (ZELA) last week sued Anjin Private Investments for negligence after exposed electrical cables led to the injury of a minor.
Shantel Chisango
Anjin Investments stood before Mutare High Court on the 7th of October claiming damages for present and future medical expenses, pain, suffering and disability of the minor.
According to ZELA, businesses and corporations must be held accountable for failing to respect human rights guaranteed by the Zimbabwean Constitution and legal framework.
Moreover, ZELA mentioned businesses must avoid causing or contributing to harmful human rights impacts through their own operations, and must address such impacts when they arise.
Negligence and failure to fulfil a duty of care on Anjin Investments part forced ZELA to initiate a lawsuit on behalf of the minor to compel corporate accountability.
There is a need to create a legacy law, according to ZELA, so as to safeguard the environment and ensure the long-term management of natural resources.
Anjin Investments has been dragged to court many times over the accusations that the company was discharging untreated waste material into the Odzi, Singwizi and Save rivers, looting and smuggling of diamonds.
Anjin Investments, Marange Resources and Diamond Mining Corporation are mining companies involved in diamond exploration and mining in the Marange communal lands.