What's happened
London's High Court has ruled that BHP can be held responsible for the 2015 Mariana dam collapse in Brazil, which caused environmental damage, killed 19 people, and displaced thousands. The court found BHP's actions in raising the dam's height immediately prior to failure as a key cause. BHP plans to appeal.
What's behind the headline?
The court's ruling marks a significant legal milestone, holding BHP directly responsible for the disaster. The decision underscores the importance of corporate accountability in environmental safety, especially for multinational companies operating in vulnerable regions. The court identified the act of raising the dam's height as a 'direct and immediate cause' of failure, highlighting negligence. BHP's plan to appeal indicates ongoing legal uncertainty, but this ruling could set a precedent for future environmental litigation against corporations globally. The case also exposes the broader issue of regulatory oversight and corporate responsibility in mining operations, especially in developing countries. For affected communities, this decision offers a measure of justice after years of suffering, yet the long legal process illustrates the challenges in achieving accountability and reparations in environmental disasters.
What the papers say
The articles from SBS, The Independent, France 24, and Sky News collectively emphasize the historic nature of the ruling, with France 24 noting that BHP is 'strictly liable as polluters.' SBS highlights the court's focus on BHP's actions in raising the dam's height, while The Independent details the extensive legal battle and the $48.32 billion lawsuit. Sky News underscores the significance of this case as the largest environmental group action in English legal history, with BHP planning to appeal. All sources agree on the court's finding of BHP's fault but differ slightly in tone—some emphasizing the legal victory for victims, others highlighting ongoing corporate defenses and appeals.
How we got here
The Fundao dam, operated by Samarco—a joint venture between BHP and Vale—collapsed in 2015, releasing 44.5 million cubic meters of toxic sludge into the Doce River. The disaster resulted in 19 deaths, environmental destruction, and widespread displacement. Legal actions have been ongoing for a decade, with victims seeking justice and compensation. BHP has maintained it prioritized safety and reached a $31 billion settlement in Brazil, but many claimants remain unsatisfied.
Go deeper
Common question
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What was BHP's role in the Brazil dam disaster?
The 2015 Fundao dam collapse in Brazil was a devastating environmental disaster with far-reaching consequences. Recently, a London court held BHP accountable for its role in the tragedy, marking a significant milestone in corporate responsibility and environmental justice. Curious about how a major mining company like BHP was involved, why they were found liable, and what this means for future accountability? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this landmark case.
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Why is BHP being held responsible for the Brazil dam disaster?
The recent court ruling holding BHP accountable for the 2015 Mariana dam collapse has sparked widespread interest and concern. Many want to understand what led to this decision, what it means for BHP, and the broader implications for environmental responsibility. Below, we explore key questions about the case, BHP's role, and the environmental impact of the disaster.
More on these topics
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BHP Group Limited, founded as the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, is an Australian multinational mining and metals corporation. BHP was established in August 1885 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria.
As of 2024, BHP was the world's largest mining
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Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most
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Samarco Mineração S.A. is a Brazilian mining company founded in 1977. It is currently a joint-venture between the Brazilian Vale and the English-Australian BHP, each one holding 50% of the company's stocks.