Truth About Trafigura's Toxic Disaster in Ivory Coast Emerges

by Mike Smith · 2009-09-17 12:37:00 UTC
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Toxic spills seem to hit the developing world more often, and so much harder. Justice is rarely done, and cover-ups are frequent. But occasionally, the truth comes out. The Guardian is reporting on how UK oil company Trafigura tried to cover-up a toxic disaster; Trafigura had made payouts to 31,000 victims of toxic dumping two years ago. Internal emails show how the company tried to cover up the spill, and claim the waste was "absolutely not dangerous." Trafigura have sought legal action against those disputing their take on things in the past.

The BBC is also reporting the story, saying that whilst Trafigura always denied wrong doing, "in 2007 they paid £100m to the Ivorian government to 'compensate the victims' amongst other things." Some justice has been done, but injuries remain.

[Photo credit: Diego Cupolo]

Mike Smith
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