From Channel News Asia

Chad on suspended all operations of the local unit of China National Petroleum Corporation for flagrant violations of environmental regulations while exploring for crude.

Oil Minister Djerassem Le Bemadjiel told AFP the decision was taken after officials had visited Koudalwa some 200 kilometers (125 miles) south of the capital N’Djamena, where the local unit of the state-owned Chinese company was exploring for oil.

“Not only did they not have equipment to clean up oil that spilled out, but they intentionally let it spill in order to cut costs,” said the minister.

Le Bemadjiel said CNPC’s local unit had dug huge trenches and let oil flow into them, and then had it removed by local workers without protective gear.

He criticized the “flagrant violations” and “unacceptable behaviour” by the company.

Le Bemadjiel said the managers of the company would be held responsible for the violations, but did not say how long its operations would be suspended.

Read more at Channel News Asia.