Sierra Leone freezes assets of Steinmetz diamond unit
The High Court of Sierra Leone issued on Wednesday an interim freezing order on the assets of Octea, a subsidiary of Israeli billionaire Beny Steinmetz’s BSG Resources (BSGR), in a lawsuit over alleged environmental damage around a diamond mine.
Lawyers representing residents living next to Octea’s mine, Sierra Leone’s largest diamond operation, requested the order. They claimed there was “clear and present risk” the defendants could expatriate funds to avoid paying out if the court rules against them.
Octea will appeal the judgment on Thursday, lawyers for the plaintiffs told Reuters.
The case grabbed international attention in March last year, when locals launched a lawsuit against subsidiary Koidu Limited over alleged water contamination, respiratory infections and damage to their houses caused by blasting at the mine. They seek a $288 million compensation.
Gov’t on the hot seat
The suit was followed in August by a second one, this time against Sierra Leone’s government, for failing to protect them from the mine’s claimed effects in their lives.
“The State has violated (the plaintiffs’) right to a suitable environment,” said the lawyer acting on behalf of residents of Koidu, the largest city in the diamond-rich Kono district of Sierra Leone.
That suit also argued that the government had failed to ensure the relocation of hundreds of households away from the blasting site, as required in Octea’s mining license.
It further claimed Sierra Leone’s authorities failed to protect residents when security forces killed four people during protests against the mine in 2007 and 2012.
Following those incidents, Octea’s subsidiary Koidu Limited made a goodwill payment to Sierra Leone’s mines ministry to compensate victims of the violence, court documents show.
Koidu Limited has not acknowledged making any payment.
The cases highlight the growing importance of obtaining and keeping a social licence, or community support.
Stakeholders are demanding stronger engagement, transparency, ethical supply chains and a lower carbon footprint.
Communities at host countries are growing aware of their right to demand companies to meet those expectations, with some choosing the legal path to pursue grievances against international mining firms.
Octea’s parent company, BSGR, is under investigation in several countries, including the US for violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The company denies the claims.
With files from Reuters.
