Petra starts investigation into alleged human rights issues at Williamson

UK-based law firm Leigh Day has filed claims in the High Court of England and Wales against London-listed Petra Diamonds and Williamson Diamonds, on behalf of 32 anonymous individuals over alleged human rights breaches at the Williamson mine, in Tanzania. Williamson Diamonds is the operator of the Williamson diamond mine, in which Petra holds a 75% interest and the Tanzanian government 25%. The claims allege that Petra and Williamson Diamonds are liable for human rights violations, personal injuries and deaths suffered by these individuals at and surrounding the mine, arising from the mine’s security operations. Petra states that these claims filed by Leigh Day have not been served on either Petra or Williamson Mines. In a letter before claim, the law firm expressed an interest in alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation.