Victims Demand Justice for Mariana Dam Collapse in Significant Lawsuit

Grieving mothers of victims from the 2015 Mariana dam collapse demand justice in a London lawsuit against BHP, which may result in claims amounting to £36 billion. The dam collapse, responsible for nineteen deaths and significant environmental damage, led to a complex legal battle, ending submissions this week. BHP disputes its liability while victims focus on achieving accountability.

On Thursday, grieving mothers demanded justice as submissions concluded in a London lawsuit regarding the 2015 Mariana dam collapse in Brazil, which is regarded as the country’s most devastating environmental tragedy. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of nineteen individuals, unleashed toxic sludge that led to the displacement of thousands and the pollution of the Doce River.

The dam, owned by Samarco—a joint venture between Vale and BHP, the leading global mining company—was responsible for this catastrophic event. Gelvana Silva, who lost her seven-year-old son, remarked, “It was the day that destroyed my life… the day that took away my son,” during the poignant gathering outside London’s High Court.

The lawsuit implicates BHP as approximately 600,000 Brazilians, 46 local governments, and about 2,000 businesses seek compensation potentially amounting to £36 billion ($46.63 billion). This case is one of the largest in English legal history, and its proceedings commenced in October, culminating in closing arguments this week. The claimants’ representative, Tom Goodhead, anticipates a ruling during the summer.

Pamela Fernandes, who tragically lost her five-year-old daughter, conveyed her ongoing grief while advocating for justice, stating her desire for peace for her daughter as well. BHP, however, contends that this lawsuit parallels existing legal actions in Brazil and should be dismissed, arguing that they have already disbursed nearly $8 billion in compensation through the Renova Foundation, with approximately $1.7 billion allocated to claimants within the English suit.

The mining corporation maintains they neither owned nor operated the dam and claimed they had no prior knowledge of its compromised stability. Following the disaster, a compensation agreement was signed by the Brazilian government with BHP, Vale, and Samarco, though Goodhead noted that the victims were excluded from this discussion. He emphasized the fundamental goal of the trial: accountability for the disaster, stating, “If the company is convicted, it will be the biggest victory for us.”

In summary, the emotional demands for justice from victims’ families reflect the profound impact of the Mariana dam collapse. The ongoing London lawsuit seeks accountability from BHP, who faces significant claims for reparations despite asserting that they were not directly responsible for the incident. As the world awaits a decision, the case underscores the necessity for corporate accountability in environmental tragedies.

Original Source: www.usnews.com