Latin America

Eugene

(61,899 posts) Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:04 PM Mar 2016

BHP Billiton reaches $1.55bn settlement with Brazil over dam collapse

Source: Australian Associated Press

BHP Billiton reaches $1.55bn settlement with Brazil over dam collapse

Australian Associated Press
Wednesday 2 March 2016 21.46 GMT

BHP Billiton has agreed to a $1.55bn settlement with Brazilian authorities over the Samarco dam disaster.

The Anglo-Australian mining giant and its joint venture partner Vale say they have set up a fund worth 4.4bn Brazilian reals to be distributed through 2018.

“This agreement demonstrates our commitment to repairing the damage caused and to contributing to a lasting improvement in the Rio Doce,” said BHP’s chief executive, Andrew Mackenzie.

A massive spill of waste material in a November dam collapse at the Samarco mine killed at least 17 people and has been called Brazil’s worst environmental disaster.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/03/bhp-billiton-reaches-155bn-settlement-with-brazil-over-dam-collapse

3 replies

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BHP Billiton reaches $1.55bn settlement with Brazil over dam collapse (Original Post) Eugene Mar 2016 OP

Okay, so nobody goes to jail? monicaangela Mar 2016 #1

Criminal prosecution is underway. Eugene Mar 2016 #2

Police in Minas Gerais State have asked for Ricardo Vescovi, along with five other Samarco executive monicaangela Mar 2016 #3

monicaangela

(1,508 posts)

1. Okay, so nobody goes to jail?

Reply to Eugene (Original post)

Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:12 PM

Mar 2016

They are just going to pay for the clean up? Human lives were lost, 155 billion isn't nearly enough. Corporations get away with murder...literally.

Eugene

(61,899 posts)

2. Criminal prosecution is underway.

Reply to monicaangela (Reply #1)

Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:18 PM

Mar 2016

From the BBC - February 23

Seven charged over Samarco dam disaster

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35645960

monicaangela

(1,508 posts)

3. Police in Minas Gerais State have asked for Ricardo Vescovi, along with five other Samarco executive

Reply to Eugene (Reply #2)

Wed Mar 2, 2016, 09:31 PM

Mar 2016

The indictments are part of an inquiry opened by the police to learn who is responsible for the failure of the Fundão dam. A second inquiry, planned for completion by March 22nd, is investigating Samarco and its parent companies, Vale and BHP Billington, for environmental crimes and possible dam licensing violations. The corporations, being legal entities, can only answer for environmental crimes and not for homicide.

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35645960

This is what I mean by getting away with murder literally, they are not indicted for homicide although many lost their lives.

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