Toxic Leak From Angola Diamond Mine Kills 12 In DR Congo
A toxic leak from a massive diamond mine in Angola killed at least 12 people and left 4,500 sick, a minister in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo says.
The leak turned a tributary of the River Congo red and killed huge numbers of fish, which some people ate, said Environment Minister Eve Bazaiba.
She said that DR Congo would seek damages but did not specify how much.
There has been no public response so far from the Catoca mine’s owners.
According to Reuters news agency, the mine produces about 75% of Angola’s diamonds.
After a reservoir containing toxic by-products from the mine leaked in late July, the Tshikapa river across the border in DR Congo turned red killing hippos, fish, and other animals.