A lawsuit was filed in BC Supreme Court by three people who claim that a Vancouver company violated human rights.
Nevsun Resources Ltd. is at the centre of the claim as the three claim to have once worked with a local sub-contractor at the Bisha Mine in Eritrea, Africa. The lawsuit makes human rights allegations against the company and the local sub-contractor, which Nevsun denies.
Photo Credit: Nevsun
Cliff Davis, Nevsun’s CEO, said, “We are confident that the allegations are unfounded. Based on various company-led and third party audits, the Bisha Mine has adhered at all times to international standards of governance, workplace conditions, and health and safety.”
The complaint was filed this week but the allegations have not been proven in court. The three former employees claim they worked under threat of “physical punishment, torture and imprisonment.”
Photo Credit: Nevsun Resources
“Nevsun strives to ensure that the Company’s presence has a positive social and economic impact,” reads a statement from the company. “With spin-off effects, the Bisha Mine has created meaningful employment for thousands of Eritreans.”
“We are committed to ensuring that the Bisha Mine is managed in a safe and responsible manner that respects the interests of the local communities, workers, national governance, stakeholders, and the natural environment,” adds Davis.
Photo Credit: Nevsun Resources
The gold-copper-zinc mine is located approximately 150 kilometres west of the Eritrean capital city of Asmara. The mine is 60 per cent owned by Nevsun and a human rights assessment was conducted between July 2013 and January 2014.
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