BHP Release - United Kingdom group action (12/07/2024)
BHP has reached an agreement with Vale regarding legal actions in the UK and Netherlands related to the 2015 Fundao Dam failure in Brazil, which was operated by their joint venture, Samarco.
Over 600,000 claimants have sued BHP in the UK, but BHP believes it is not liable and will defend itself, arguing that the UK case duplicates efforts already underway in Brazil.
In March 2024, a new lawsuit was filed in the Netherlands against Vale and Samarco’s Dutch subsidiary by about 78,000 Brazilian claimants. BHP is not involved in this case.
BHP and Vale have agreed to share any potential payments (50% each) to claimants in these cases without admitting liability. This agreement builds on a 2016 Framework Agreement where BHP and Vale agreed to fund the Renova Foundation, which compensates those affected by the dam failure.
BHP had previously filed a claim against Vale to ensure Vale would share any damages BHP might have to pay in the UK case, but this claim will now be withdrawn due to the new agreement. BHP Brasil continues to support remediation efforts in Brazil through the Renova Foundation, which has already provided around $3.5 billion in compensation and aid to about 430,000 people.
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