Brazilian Mining Disaster Victims Seek $47 Billion in UK Court
Victims of Brazil’s worst environmental disaster have filed a class action lawsuit in the United Kingdom, seeking $47 billion in damages from the mining giant BHP.
The lawsuit, presented at the High Court of Justice in London, comes nearly nine years after a catastrophic mining dam collapse released toxic waste into the Doce River, killing 19 people and devastating local communities.
The case, filed by law firm Pogust Goodhead, represents more than 700,000 claimants. It alleges that BHP, which co-owns Samarco, the operator of the dam, is liable for the environmental and human toll caused when the dam ruptured on November 5, 2015. The resulting flood of mining waste, equivalent to filling 13,000 Olympic-sized pools, polluted the river and damaged 660 kilometers of waterway. The disaster also wiped out local villages, including Bento Rodrigues, which remains uninhabitable.
Plaintiffs argue that BHP is responsible for the damage and must provide compensation. The company, however, contends that the claim is unfounded, asserting that it neither owned nor operated the dam and had limited knowledge of any risks associated with it. BHP also believes the legal action duplicates ongoing reparations and proceedings in Brazil, where it is negotiating a settlement alongside its partner, Vale SA, to provide $31.7 billion in compensation and environmental restoration.
Despite these settlement talks, the plaintiffs’ lawyers argue that the London trial is crucial for holding BHP accountable and delivering justice for the victims. Survivors of the disaster, many of whom have relocated to new communities, are hoping the trial will bring recognition of their losses and lead to proper compensation.
The Associated Press and Al Jazeera contributed to this report.
