ArcelorMittal Faces Legal Battle Over Pollution in France

ArcelorMittal, the world's second-largest steelmaker, is indicted in France for endangering lives, forgery, and environmental damage related to industrial pollution in Fos-sur-Mer. The indictment follows a 2018 lawsuit by French NGO ADPLGF and local residents. ArcelorMittal must meet set financial guarantees.

In a significant legal development, ArcelorMittal has been indicted for endangering lives, forgery, and causing environmental damage linked to industrial pollution in France's Fos-sur-Mer region. This was announced by the Marseille public prosecutor's office, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of the world's second-largest steelmaker.

The indictment, a result of a lawsuit filed in November 2018 by the French environmental NGO Association de Défense et Protection du Littoral du Golfe de Fos (ADPLGF), and supported by around 250 local residents and other parties, underlines the growing tensions between industrial activities and environmental protection efforts.

Placed under judicial supervision, ArcelorMittal is required to submit a 250,000 euro deposit and secure a 1.75 million euro bank guarantee as part of the legal proceedings. While the group has not commented on the latest developments, the ADPLGF has expressed approval of the indictments aimed at holding both corporate bodies and individuals accountable.

(With inputs from agencies.)