The dam contained and released 60 million cubic meters of mine waste and mud that killed at least 13 people, left approximately 11 people missing, and devastated an entire village when it collapsed earlier this month [Economic Times report].
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Brazil’s environmental regulator is planning additional fines against iron ore miner Samarco on top of the 20 billion reais in damages and clean-up charges the government is seeking, the country’s attorney general, Luis Adams, said on Friday. The announcement indicates that the legal action will demand that the companies establish a fund of BRL 20 billion in aggregate (approximately US$5.2 billion at current exchange rates) for environmental recovery and compensation.
It added: “Samarco continues to work with the government authorities in Brazil to relocate displaced people from temporary accommodation to rented housing”.
BHP said in a statement it was aware of the development, but had received no formal notice.
Relocation will not be completed until February next year.
“BHP Billiton confirms its commitment to supporting Samarco to rebuild the community and restore the environment affected by the breach of the dams”, BHP said.
The Anglo-Australian behemoth added that clean-up work was underway, focusing on access roads, housing and bridge repairs. Last week, a United Nations report alleged “high levels of toxic heavy metals and other toxic chemicals” had been detected in the river system.
Samarco said in a statement that both pre- and post-disaster tests show the mud released in the dam burst, made up mostly of water, iron oxides and silica or quartz, presents no danger to human health and does not contain water contaminants.
It repeated its assertion that the waste from the dam was non-toxic, saying that sediments tested by the Brazilian Geological Service did not differ significantly from tests taken in 2010.
A rescue worker signals to a co-worker (unseen) during a search for victims in the Bento Rodrigues district that was covered with mud after a dam owned by Vale SA and BHP Billiton burst, in Mariana, Brazil.
BHP notes, where water supplies have been affected, alternative water supplies are being provided by Samarco, working with local authorities.
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It said the tailings plume had reached the Atlantic Ocean, around 500 kilometres away, and was dispersing. The Forum comprises eight highly respected global civil society leaders as well as members of BHP Billiton’s Group Management Committee.
