The high court of Sierra Leone has granted an interim freezing order on the assets of Octea, a subsidiary of Israeli billionaire Beny Steinmetz’s BSG Resources in a lawsuit over alleged environmental damage around Octea’s diamond mine. The lawyer for the plaintiffs had requested a freezing order, saying there was a “clear and present risk” the defendants could expatriate funds to avoid having to pay out if the court rules against them. The lawsuit against Octea subsidiary Koidu, filed in March last year by 73 plaintiffs living around the mine, says they have suffered respiratory infections and headaches due to the mine, and seek $288m in damages. Octea will appeal the judgment on Thursday, lawyers for the plaintiffs said.
SOURCE: BUSINESS DAY LIVE
More Stories
Re-entry of Higher Capacity Aircraft on African Routes Shows Recovery of Hard Hit Travel Sector
For the First Time, Jumia May have to Worry about its Liquidity Position
The Pros and Cons of South Africa’s Tourism Marketing Strategy
Can Southern African States Move Further Up the Lithium Value Chain?
Dutch Energy Producer Eyes Africa Expansion
Libya’s Oil Ministry has Rejected the $8bn Offshore Gas Projects Deal
Zimbabwe’s Leader is Seeking Investment for a New National Capital
South African Poultry Farmers in Dire Straits
Travel Marketplace for Immersive Experiences Matching Tourists with Verified African Curators
Africa’s Only All-Female Solar Panel Assembly Plant Launched in Cape Town
Pope Francis Condemns “Economic Colonialism” as He Arrives in the DRC
Encouraging Signs that Corruption is being Successfully Tackled in Parts of Africa