XSTRATA is removing mine sediment from the Leichhardt River near Mt. Isa, Queensland, ahead of a report on potentially harmful lead levels in the town.
The material had entered the river through natural erosion over an extended period and according to the company, poses only a minimal risk.
The miner claims the current stage of the Leichhardt River Remediation Project will continue over the next five weeks.
The corporation says previous operations to remove sediment from the river had been successful. They recalled one effort in the 1990’s which saw material dating back to the 1940’s removed.
This follows the lawsuit filed against Xstrata in late April 2008 by six-year-old Stella Hare through her mother. The young girl is claiming unspecified damages relating to injuries she has received as a result of the mining operations.
The report, to be published on 20 May, will note 45 out of 400 children tested in Mt. Isa have lead levels high enough to cause potential impairment.
