More Than 6,500 People Sue Rio Tinto Over Alleged Madagascar Mine Contamination

More than 6,500 people in Madagascar have filed a claim in London’s High Court against Rio Tinto over alleged contamination linked to the company’s QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM) mineral sands operation.

The claimants allege that acidic wastewater containing uranium, lead and other metals was discharged into lakes and waterways used by surrounding communities for drinking, cooking, washing and irrigation, according to Leigh Day, the law firm representing them.

More than 2,000 of those bringing the claim are children, Leigh Day said.

The case relates to QMM’s mining operation in the Anosy region of southeastern Madagascar, where Rio Tinto owns an 80% stake. The mine produces ilmenite, a mineral used to produce titanium dioxide, a white pigment widely used in products including paint, food and toothpaste.

Communities around the operation have previously raised concerns about water releases from the mine. In May 2022, operations were suspended for five days following protests after a water release was followed by reports of dead fish.

Rio Tinto said at the time that water sampling had found no connection between the release and the fish deaths.

The company has also rejected any suggestion that its monitoring shows widespread contamination. Rio Tinto said it had been notified of the latest legal claim but had not yet received the documents or details needed to comment on the allegations.

The company said QMM conducts extensive water monitoring and publishes its findings annually. According to Rio Tinto, its 2025 Water Report showed that most regulated metals were consistently below laboratory detection limits in surrounding rivers. The company also said all uranium samples tested were below laboratory detection limits, while most lead samples were also below those limits.

The claimants are seeking compensation as well as court orders requiring Rio Tinto and QMM to address alleged environmental damage and prevent further contamination.

The legal action adds to growing scrutiny of environmental practices surrounding large-scale mining operations in Africa. In May, the Jesuits in Britain said they were considering selling their investment in Rio Tinto following unsuccessful engagement with the company over environmental concerns in Madagascar and Guinea.

The High Court proceedings will now determine how the allegations are examined and whether the claimants can establish liability and damages against Rio Tinto and QMM.

QIT Madagascar Minerals (QMM), in the Anosy region of southeastern Madagascar, produces ilmenite.(Image: Rio Tinto.)