BHP Found Liable by English Court for 2015 Fundao Dam Failure

By Adam Whittaker

BHP Group said the that English High Court found it liable under Brazilian law for the 2015 Fundao dam failure, and that it intends to appeal the decision.

The mining group said potential damages will be determined in later trials which are expected to be completed in 2028 or 2029. The group said it will appeal the decision.

The Fundao dam was owned and operated by Samarco, a joint venture between BHP Brazil and Vale, and failed in 2015.

BHP said the legal action taking place in the U.K. seeks to replicate remediation and compensation that has already been established in Brazil under a separate agreement.

Under the 2024 Brazil agreement, BHP, Vale and Samarco entered into a $32 billion deal with the Brazilian government which included a full and final settlement of key claims in relation to the dam failure, it said.

The company added Friday that expected cash outflows relating to Samarco remain largely aligned with the $2.2 billion in 2026, and $500 million in 2027, that it had previously outlined.

BHP said that the English High Court found it liable on the basis that it is a 'polluter' under Brazilian environmental law and at fault under the Brazilian civil code.

Write to Adam Whittaker at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-14-25 0531ET