The High Court in London has found BHP liable for the catastrophic dam collapse in Brazil, known as the country’s worst environmental disaster. The 2015 incident in Mariana led to the deaths of 19 people, the destruction of homes, and polluted rivers.
The lawsuit represents over 600,000 claimants, including civilians and businesses, with damages potentially reaching £36 billion ($48 billion). BHP has indicated its intention to appeal the ruling, asserting that many of the claimants have already received compensation in Brazil.
The dam, owned by the joint venture Samarco, experienced a catastrophic failure that unleashed millions of cubic meters of toxic waste into surrounding communities. A judge underscored that unsafe practices contributed directly to the disaster, affirming BHP's liability under Brazilian law.
BHP plans to contest the ruling vigorously. The company claims that over 240,000 individuals in the London lawsuit have already been compensated through the Renova Foundation, which provides aid to victims of the disaster.
Parallel lawsuits also target Samarco’s partner company, Vale, facilitated through claims in the Netherlands, involving 70,000 plaintiffs.
The case has undergone numerous complications, often with Pogust Goodhead—the law firm representing the claimants—facing accusations of misleading vulnerable victims for profit. Allegations have surfaced in Brazil regarding the firm's practices, further complicating the courtroom battles.
Despite these challenges, the tragic situation remains unresolved, with BHP and Vale continuously striving to manage their legal obligations while dealing with the aftermath of a disaster that forever changed countless lives.
