Mining giant BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) has been found liable for the catastrophic 2015 Mariana dam collapse in Brazil, with London’s High Court ruling the company must pay $48 billion in damages to hundreds of thousands of Brazilian citizens, local governments, and businesses The Independent The Straits Times Evrim Ağacı Yahoo News UK MiningMagazine.com.
Background of the Disaster
The Fundão tailings dam, operated by Samarco, a joint venture between BHP and Vale, collapsed on November 5, 2015 near Mariana in Minas Gerais state. The disaster released 40 million cubic meters of mining waste, killing 19 people, destroying villages, and contaminating the Doce River across 600 kilometers until it reached the Atlantic Ocean. It is widely regarded as Brazil’s worst environmental disaster.
The Court Ruling
On November 14, 2025, London’s High Court delivered a landmark judgment, siding with more than 600,000 claimants who argued that BHP had failed in its duty of care. The ruling obligates BHP to pay damages valued at £36 billion ($48 billion), covering compensation for individuals, municipalities, and businesses devastated by the collapse The Independent The Straits Times Evrim Ağacı.
The case, one of the largest class actions ever heard in the UK, was brought forward after survivors and advocacy groups claimed that previous settlements in Brazil were insufficient and failed to deliver justice.
BHP’s Response
BHP has indicated it will appeal the ruling, arguing that it has already contributed to a $30 billion settlement program in Brazil through Samarco. The company maintains that compensation has been paid to many victims, but the UK ruling significantly expands liability and sets a precedent for cross-border corporate accountability Evrim Ağacı.
Wider Implications
The judgment is seen as a watershed moment in global corporate responsibility, highlighting how multinational companies can be held accountable in foreign jurisdictions for environmental and human rights abuses. Analysts note that the ruling could influence future litigation against extractive industries worldwide, especially in cases involving cross-border environmental damage.
Outlook
For survivors and affected communities, the ruling represents a long-awaited victory after a decade of legal battles. For BHP, it marks one of the largest damages awards ever levied against a mining company, underscoring the growing risks of environmental negligence in the era of heightened ESG scrutiny.
Royal Courts of Justice, London Picture by David Castor
Sources: The Independent The Independent; The Straits Times The Straits Times; Grand Pinnacle Tribune Evrim Ağacı; Yahoo News UK Yahoo News UK; Mining Magazine MiningMagazine.com.
