BHP Billiton response
"...We would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on a recent development with Samarco. At the link below you will find an explanation of an agreement made in the late June 2018 between BHP, Vale, Samarco, other parties to the Framework Agreement, the Public Prosecutors Office and the Public Defense Office in Brazil (noting that this agreement is conditioned on the Federal Government signing the agreement, and also that it is subject to court ratification)...
As we said in our letter last year, with the enhanced depth and analysis across our governance of NOJVs, our approach to human rights, Indigenous peoples and the environment, we continue to strengthen our approach to working with communities. We strive to ensure our assets are world class financially, environmentally and socially, and to encourage greater investment interest and community support to have us as a preferred operator in the respective regions..."