British court finds BHP liable for Brazilian Samarco accident

The High Court in London, England, found BHP responsible for the 2015 Mariana dam collapse, which killed 19 people and caused the worst environmental disaster in Brazilian history.

Judge Finola O'Farren said BHP, although not the owner of iron ore and pellet producer Samarco, a joint venture between Vale and BHP, was aware of the dangers of a foreseeable collapse, given the large number of incidents such as seepage and cracking.  The verdict, which is subject to appeal, relates to BHP's liability, which will lead to the second stage of the trial when the amount of recovery will be determined.  Law firm Pogust Goodhead is seeking recovery totaling $48 billion, which covers 600,000 parties, including individuals, businesses and municipalities.