Families of two independent gold prospectors allegedly killed by security forces at a Tanzanian mine are suing the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), the authority that certified metal from the deposit as ethically produced. The case challenges the system companies, governments, and consumers rely on to ensure bullion meets social-responsibility standards.
The claimants allege the LBMA “negligently certified gold sourced from the mine as untainted by human-rights abuses,” which “cloaked a pattern of violence at the mine and fueled ongoing violations.” The LBMA denies the claim, saying it is being held responsible for actions of entities it neither controls nor regulates.
The case involves Barrick Mining’s North Mara mine near Tanzania’s border with Kenya. Two incidents in 2019 involved villagers searching for gold who were allegedly killed by security forces using “disproportionate and unjustified force, including the use of live ammunition.”
The claimants argue that had the LBMA stopped certifying the gold, “the abuses would have ceased and the claimants’ relatives would probably still be alive.” The trial is scheduled for Wednesday in London. Barrick cited an investigation finding no human-rights violations, while Tanzanian authorities did not respond to requests for comment.
Source: Wall Street Journal Markets · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing