Flash Briefing: Anglo American sued in SA for Zambia poison scandal; Durban oil spill; UK dividends plummet; gold; rand

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* A group of Zambian women and children are suing Anglo American, alleging the mining company caused widespread lead poisoning from a mine it owned until 1974 in the northern city of Kabwe. The case, which is demanding compensation and a clean-up of the area, was filed in a Johannesburg court on Wednesday by 13 plaintiffs on behalf of an estimated 100,000 people.
* The US and Europe are heading for a clash over their preferred candidates to lead the World Trade Organization as the selection of the first woman to run the referee of global commerce enters a pivotal phase. The European Union is inclined to support Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - the favourite among the 55 members of the African Union.
* South Africa’s state-owned pipeline operator Transnet said it’s cleaning up a crude oil spill in the eastern city of Durban that was caused by attempted fuel theft.
* UK companies' Q3 dividend payouts were the lowest for ten years and almost half the level seen in Q3 2019, according to the Link Dividend Monitor.
* Gold advanced to a one-week high Wednesday as the dollar weakened amid optimism that US lawmakers may clinch a pre-election spending deal to bolster the economy. Anglo American sued in SA for Zambia poison scandal; Durban oil spill; UK dividends plummet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
21 Oct 2020 11AM English South Africa Investing · Business News

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