Mining company BHP has been found liable for a 2015 dam collapse in Brazil, known as the country's worst-ever environmental disaster, by London's High Court. The dam collapse killed 19 people, polluted the river, and destroyed hundreds of homes. The civil lawsuit, representing more than 600,000 people including civilians, local governments, and businesses, had been valued at up to £36 billion ($48 billion).
BHP stated that it would appeal against the ruling, arguing that many claimants in the London lawsuit had already been compensated in Brazil. The dam in Mariana was owned by Samarco, a joint venture between BHP and Vale, which was meant to store waste from iron ore mining. When it burst, it unleashed tens of millions of cubic meters of toxic waste that swept through communities, causing widespread destruction and pollution.
Judge Finola O'Farrell noted that the continuous raising of the dam's height, despite safety concerns, was the immediate cause of the collapse, incurring liability under Brazilian law.
BHP's Minerals Americas President, Brandon Craig, mentioned that 240,000 claimants in the London lawsuit had already received compensation in Brazil, suggesting this would reduce the size of claims in the UK action.
The lawsuit has seen its share of disputes, including claims of duplicating the reparations agreed upon in Brazil. Both BHP and Vale established the Renova Foundation to compensate victims, offering cash or homes in a new city built to replace Novo Bento, which was destroyed.
However, accusations have emerged against Pogust Goodhead, the law firm representing claimants, alleging exploitation of vulnerable Brazilians and misleading them during the legal process. The Brazilian judiciary has raised concerns over the firm’s practices, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding the disaster.
BHP stated that it would appeal against the ruling, arguing that many claimants in the London lawsuit had already been compensated in Brazil. The dam in Mariana was owned by Samarco, a joint venture between BHP and Vale, which was meant to store waste from iron ore mining. When it burst, it unleashed tens of millions of cubic meters of toxic waste that swept through communities, causing widespread destruction and pollution.
Judge Finola O'Farrell noted that the continuous raising of the dam's height, despite safety concerns, was the immediate cause of the collapse, incurring liability under Brazilian law.
BHP's Minerals Americas President, Brandon Craig, mentioned that 240,000 claimants in the London lawsuit had already received compensation in Brazil, suggesting this would reduce the size of claims in the UK action.
The lawsuit has seen its share of disputes, including claims of duplicating the reparations agreed upon in Brazil. Both BHP and Vale established the Renova Foundation to compensate victims, offering cash or homes in a new city built to replace Novo Bento, which was destroyed.
However, accusations have emerged against Pogust Goodhead, the law firm representing claimants, alleging exploitation of vulnerable Brazilians and misleading them during the legal process. The Brazilian judiciary has raised concerns over the firm’s practices, further complicating the legal landscape surrounding the disaster.
