"BHP trying to avoid responsibility over Brazilian dam collapse, UK court told", 21 October 2024

BHP... is cynically trying to avoid its responsibility for Brazil's worst environmental disaster, lawyers representing thousands of victims told London's High Court on Monday, as a lawsuit worth up to 36 billion pounds ($47 billion) began.

More than 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments and around 2,000 businesses are suing BHP over the 2015 collapse of the Mariana dam in southeastern Brazil, which was owned and operated by BHP and Vale's ..., Samarco joint venture.

The dam's collapse unleashed a wave of toxic sludge that killed 19 people, left thousands homeless, flooded forests and polluted the length of the Doce River.

BHP, the world's biggest miner by market value, is contesting liability and says the London lawsuit duplicates legal proceedings and reparation and repair programmes in Brazil and should be thrown out.

It also says nearly $8 billion has already been paid to those affected through the Renova Foundation, with around $1.7 billion going to claimants involved in the English case...

The claimants' lawyer ... argued that BHP's actions in fighting the case and funding separate litigation in Brazil showed the miner was "cynically and doggedly trying to avoid" responsibility...

BHP argues it did not own or operate the dam, which held minings waste known as tailings...

The miner also said it had no knowledge the dam's stability was compromised before it collapsed...

The 12-week hearing will also consider whether the Brazilian municipalities are permitted to bring legal action, the impact of any agreements reached with BHP by claimants involved in the English lawsuit and whether the claims were brought too late.