Madagascar: Human rights defenders raising concerns about pollution at Rio Tinto's QMM mine experience violence & imprisonment; incl. co responses & civil society rejoinders
Between 26 June and 3 July 2023, thousands of protesters blocked the road to Rio Tinto’s QMM mine in Madagascar protesting alleged inadequate financial compensation on loss of livelihoods, water pollution, and community exclusion from consultations when the mining licence was renewed by the government.
Police violently repressed the demonstration, injuring at least 6 people and arresting over 75 peaceful protesters, as well as 5 trade unionists working for Rio Tinto, represented by the trade unions Syndicalisme et Vie des Societes (SVS) Anosy and Sendika Kristanina Malagasy (SEKRIMA). Some of those arrested were released without charge; however, many still remain in arbitrary detention. This includes Mariette dit Nome Rasoanomeny, Robine dite Berry Rasoanandrasana and Olga Rasoanirina who remain detained in Bertroka jail and Safidiosa Elice Tema who remains detained at Fort-Dauphin jail.
During the protest, arrest warrants were issued against two human rights defenders, Eugène Chretien and Laurent Manjary, from the LUSUD movement which was created in March 2023 to focus on risks of water contamination and negative community impacts related to the QMM mine.
During another protest against the mine on 20 October 2023, three activists and members of the LUSUD association Mr Damy, Ms Rasolonirna and Mr Andriamamonjy Jean Salomon, were shot and killed.
The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited Rio Tinto to respond to these allegations. Responses from Rio Tinto and rejoinders from civil socity organisations Publish What You Pay Madagascar and the Andrew Lees Trust are available below.