The newspaper's investigation, published last weekend, found those levels of arsenic were hazardous.
At the mine itself, they found almost 19,000 micrograms of arsenic per liter in the water. In Zaouit Sidi Blal, a date-farming community 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from the mine, they found just over 400 micrograms of arsenic per liter of water. That’s roughly 44 times the World Health Organization’s guideline value for lifelong consumption, the investigation said.
Arsenic is a toxic chemical found in sulfur and metals that has been linked to cancer and vascular disease.
In its statement,
“Even if water retention basins can experience minor residual seepage under certain conditions, these present no hazard to nature, and are currently being upgraded in line with our commitment to zero impact on the environment,” the mining company said.
The findings could complicate the search for new sources of cobalt. European carmakers have already said they plan to further examine water issues at Bou Azzer.
Along with lithium and nickel, cobalt is an increasingly important commodity needed to power electric vehicles, with market share vied for fiercely by the
The mineral is primarily mined in the conflict-riddenCongo but companies have pulled out of the country due to reports of human rights abuses and child labor in the mining sector.
For some,
The German manufacturer said in a statement this week that it had spoken about the new allegations to
"We take potential breaches extremely seriously and investigate them," the company said.
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
, source