BHP Faces UK Trial for Brazil Dam Collapse

BHP, an Australian mining giant, has been found strictly liable by the United Kingdom===High Court of Justice in London for a 2015 dam collapse in Brazil, one of the country's worst environmental disasters. The disaster, caused by an iron-ore mine managed by BHP===Samarco (co-owned by BHP and Vale), unleashed toxic mud, killed 19 people, and caused widespread environmental damage. Victims, including Marilda Lyrio de Oliveira and Ana Paula Auxiliadora Alexandre, are seeking £36 billion ($49 billion) in compensation through British courts, dissatisfied with proceedings in Brazil. The United Kingdom===High Court of Justice has set a trial date for April 2027 to determine damages, with closing submissions scheduled for March 2028. BHP argues that many claimants have already received compensation in Brazil and should be excluded from the UK action.