Colombia's constitutional court ruled that South32 Ltd.'s Cerro Matoso nickel mine must "provide comprehensive and permanent attention" to indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities affected by the mine's operations, Reuters reported March 16, citing a summary of a court ruling.
The court directed the company to pay damages to these communities collectively through a special fund. Community members have been diagnosed with lung and heart problems, including lung cancer, resulting from the mine's waste emissions. Some residents had elevated levels of nickel in their blood and urine.
The mine must apply for a new license, as the previous license did not reflect the constitutional standards for environmental protection. South32 said it would evaluate the ruling once it has been received.
The mine produced 40,600 tonnes of ferronickel in 2017, according to Reuters.
