Mariana, 18 more Brazil cities join Vale-BHP dam collapse compensation deal

On August 20, the Brazilian court announced that 19 additional cities, including Mariana, the epicenter of the 2015 dam collapse, have joined the compensation agreement with BHP, Vale, and Samarco. Following this decision, the deal now has the support of 45 out of 49 municipalities eligible to receive funds. The 2015 disaster, caused by an iron ore mine owned by Samarco, a joint venture between Vale and BHP, resulted in 19 deaths, forced hundreds into homelessness, flooded forests, and polluted the Doce River.

The agreement initially allocated 170 billion reais ($32.74 billion) for compensation and reparations, with 6 billion reais designated for the affected cities. However, as of March 2025, only 26 cities had joined the agreement, with many cities arguing the amount was insufficient. The delay in signing was also due to parallel legal proceedings against BHP in London, which seeks further reparations.

In November, the UK's High Court ruled BHP responsible for the disaster in Brazil. A trial to determine damages began in April 2027. The cities' participation in the agreement is crucial for Samarco as it seeks to overcome uncertainties from the collapse. Mariana Mayor Juliano Duarte expressed satisfaction with the historic victory the city has achieved.

The court remains open to accepting any future adherence from the four remaining cities: Ouro Preto, Governador Valadares, Resplendor, and Colatina.