BHP Faces Historic $47 Billion Lawsuit in UK Over Brazil Dam Disaster

Victims of the 2015 Mariana dam collapse seek justice in London, challenging BHP's accountability for Brazil's largest environmental catastrophe.

The lawsuit, filed in London's High Court, represents over 620,000 Brazilian claimants, including individuals, businesses, and local governments.
The 2015 disaster released 40 million cubic meters of toxic waste into the Doce River, killing 19 people and devastating communities and ecosystems.
BHP, which owns 50% of the Samarco joint venture responsible for the dam, argues that the UK lawsuit duplicates Brazilian legal proceedings.
A proposed $31.7 billion settlement in Brazil between BHP, Vale, and Brazilian authorities is ongoing, but claimants argue it is insufficient.
The trial in London is expected to last 12 weeks, with BHP contesting liability and maintaining that it did not directly operate the dam.