In a significant legal decision, London's High Court has found BHP, one of the world's largest mining companies, liable for the disastrous collapse of a dam in Mariana, Brazil in 2015. This tragedy, known as Brazil's worst environmental disaster, claimed the lives of 19 people and unleashed toxic waste, devastating local communities and polluting the Doce River.
The lawsuit, representing over 600,000 claimants from affected individuals, local governments, and businesses, is estimated to be valued at up to £36 billion (approximately $48 billion). The ruling has been met with BHP's declaration that they will appeal, asserting that numerous claimants have already received compensation through existing programs in Brazil.
The dam, operated by Samarco—a joint venture between BHP and Vale—was designed to manage waste from iron ore mining. Concerns had been raised about the dam's structural integrity, and Judge Finola O'Farrell concluded that unsafe practices were directly responsible for its failure.
BHP's ongoing legal battle is complicated by parallel claims in different jurisdictions, including a lawsuit against Vale in the Netherlands that involves over 70,000 plaintiffs. Meanwhile, accusations have emerged against Pogust Goodhead, the law firm representing some claimants, alleging exploitation of vulnerable Brazilians amid the chaos following the disaster.
The High Court's ruling is a critical moment in the fight for justice and accountability for the victims of this catastrophic event, reigniting discussions around corporate responsibility in environmental disasters.
The lawsuit, representing over 600,000 claimants from affected individuals, local governments, and businesses, is estimated to be valued at up to £36 billion (approximately $48 billion). The ruling has been met with BHP's declaration that they will appeal, asserting that numerous claimants have already received compensation through existing programs in Brazil.
The dam, operated by Samarco—a joint venture between BHP and Vale—was designed to manage waste from iron ore mining. Concerns had been raised about the dam's structural integrity, and Judge Finola O'Farrell concluded that unsafe practices were directly responsible for its failure.
BHP's ongoing legal battle is complicated by parallel claims in different jurisdictions, including a lawsuit against Vale in the Netherlands that involves over 70,000 plaintiffs. Meanwhile, accusations have emerged against Pogust Goodhead, the law firm representing some claimants, alleging exploitation of vulnerable Brazilians amid the chaos following the disaster.
The High Court's ruling is a critical moment in the fight for justice and accountability for the victims of this catastrophic event, reigniting discussions around corporate responsibility in environmental disasters.
