A Brazilian court has mandated mining giant’s vale and bhp, along with their Samarco venture, to pay nearly ten Billion Dollars in damages for the catastrophic 2015 tailings dam disaster in Mariana. The collapse unleashed toxic mud that claimed 19 lives and devastated the Rio Doce River ecosystem, affecting communities all the way to the Atlantic coast.
Officials have yet to determine the exact liability of each company, but the funds are destined for a state managed initiative supporting restoration and compensation efforts for those impacted. The companies, which have the option to appeal, are yet to receive formal notification of the decision.
