Brazil to sue BHP, Vale for $5bn in damages for dam burst

27 Nov, 2015

BRASILIA: Brazil's federal and state governments plan to sue the owners of the Samarco iron ore miner for 20 billion reais ($5.24 billion)in damages caused by the burst of a tailings pond dam, Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira told reporters on Friday.

Samarco is a joint venture between the world's largest mining company, BHP Billiton Ltd , and the biggest iron ore miner, Vale SA .

The dam burst earlier this month, unleashing 60 million cubic meters of mud and mine waste that devastated a village, killed at least 13 people and polluted a major river.

Teixeira said the suit will be filed on Monday.

The proceeds will be used for environmental cleanup in the Rio Doce valley.

Copyright Reuters, 2015

Read Comments