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Xstrata faces Oz 'poison' claims
Bill Condie, Evening Standard22.05.08
British miner Xstrata faces legal action over claims that pollution from one of its mines is poisoning children.
Australian authorities are monitoring high lead levels in children living in Mount Isa, the city where Xstrata produces the metal.
The firm is being sued by Stella Hare, six, who used to live there and is claiming damages for injuries to her nervous system, allegedly from lead contamination.
A report showed 11.3% of 400 children aged between one and four in the city had lead in their blood exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines, the Queensland state government said today.
The results were the same as a preliminary report released last month.
The state's health department said it has been "targeting the families of the children with elevated levels".
Xstrata gained control of the mine in 2003 when it bought MIM Holdings for A$3.44 billion (£1.68 billion).
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