On October 25, 2024, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced a significant agreement with mining companies Samarco, Vale, and BHP in Brasília, aimed at addressing the aftermath of the 2015 dam collapse in Minas Gerais. This disaster resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals and caused extensive environmental damage, releasing 40 million cubic meters of toxic sludge into the Doce River and the Atlantic Ocean.
The newly signed agreement, described by Lula as the largest of its kind in modern history, commits the companies to pay a total of 100 billion reais (approximately 17.5 billion USD) over the next two decades. An additional 32 billion reais (5.6 billion USD) will be allocated for individual compensation, resettlement, and environmental recovery efforts.
Despite the agreement, it remains subject to approval by Brazil's Supreme Court and does not resolve ongoing legal proceedings against the companies. Critics, including the Movement of Affected by Dams (MAB), have expressed concerns that the compensation is insufficient for the comprehensive restoration of victims' rights and have called for accountability for those responsible for the disaster.
This agreement comes shortly before a major trial against BHP in London, where 620,000 claimants are seeking 35 billion pounds (approximately 46.8 billion USD) in damages. Legal representatives for the claimants have indicated that the proceedings in England will continue regardless of developments in Brazil, emphasizing the need for thorough judicial processes.