RAPAPORT… Petra Diamonds has begun an investigation into new claims of violence at its Williamson mine in Tanzania following a lawsuit last year.
The fresh allegations were of assaults and human-rights violations by Tanzanian guards and the miner’s security contractor between November 2020 and January 2021, Petra said Wednesday. Many of the incidents required force to defend people and property from illegal diggers, the company added. Petra will provide an update on the probe in March, it said.
In May 2020, UK law firm Leigh Day sued Petra on behalf of 32 anonymous individuals alleging abuses at Williamson. Rights and Accountability in Development (RAID), a UK-based nonprofit, later published a report containing similar claims.
The latest allegations confirm “in no uncertain terms that force continues to be used against artisanal miners, and that the steps [Petra] has taken to date have been ineffective,” RAID said Wednesday.
Image: The Williamson processing plant. (Petra Diamonds)
Petra Hit with Fresh Allegations of Abuses
The Bottom Line
- Petra Diamonds is investigating new claims of assaults and human-rights violations by Tanzanian guards and its security contractor at the Williamson mine between November 2020 and January 2021.
- The company states that force was often used to protect people and property from illegal diggers during these incidents.
- Previous lawsuits and reports, including one by UK law firm Leigh Day and nonprofit RAID, have accused Petra of ongoing abuses, with recent allegations suggesting prior measures have been ineffective.
More Stories
Deloitte: Holiday Spending to Reach $1.71T
US revenue is likely to increase up to 4.8% year on year from November 2026 through January 2027.
Emerald Prices Improve at Gemfields Auction
Miner sells 100% of its 3 million carats of commercial-quality goods for $29.6 million.
Sarine Opens New Lab in Mumbai
Company also has facilities in New York and Surat.
