Residents of Kabwe v Anglo American (re Lead Poisoning)

The class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of 140,000 Zambian children and women of childbearing age against Anglo American South Africa Limited (AASA) for lead poisoning. Medical studies conducted over the past 54 years have shown very high levels of lead in young children in Kabwe. The mine operated between 1906 and 1994 and is alleged to have been under management and subject to technical advice on medical and environmental impacts from AASA between 1925 and 1974. AASA is a South African wholly-owned subsidiary of London-headquartered Anglo American PLC. The class action seeks compensation for lead poisoning of affected children and for women under the age of 50 who have been poisoned and who have, or may become pregnant, in the future, as well as for the cost of remediation of homes and of future blood lead screening.

The application for certification of the class action was heard in January 2023 and the judgement is pending.