In a landmark decision, a UK court has ruled that mining firm BHP is liable for the devastating environmental disaster caused by the dam collapse in Mariana, Brazil. The ruling comes after a lengthy legal battle involving claims from thousands of affected individuals.
Background of the Dam Collapse
The dam, located in southeastern Brazil, was owned by Samarco, a partnership between BHP and Vale. The facility was used for storing waste from iron ore mining operations. On November 5, 2015, the dam catastrophically failed, releasing tens of millions of cubic meters of toxic sludge that severely impacted nearby communities.
Legal Proceedings and Jurisdiction
The claimants successfully argued that the trial should be conducted in London, citing BHP’s headquarters in the UK at the time of the disaster. Additionally, a separate claim involving over 70,000 plaintiffs against Vale has been initiated in the Netherlands.
Court Ruling
Judge Finola O’Farrell stated that BHP’s decision to raise the dam’s height, despite known safety concerns, was the direct cause of its collapse. As a result, BHP has been deemed liable under Brazilian law.
Compensation and Next Steps
- BHP is expected to appeal the UK court’s ruling.
- Brandon Craig, President of BHP’s Minerals Americas, mentioned that 240,000 claimants in Brazil have already received compensation.
- Craig believes this will lessen the potential claims in the UK lawsuit.
Impact and Significance
This ruling marks a significant step in holding corporations accountable for environmental disasters. The implications of this case extend beyond Brazil, potentially influencing environmental liability laws internationally. As affected communities continue to seek justice, the court’s decision is set to have lasting repercussions within the mining industry and environmental regulation.
