Victims of Brazilian Dam Collapse Seek Justice in Landmark London Lawsuit

The mothers of victims from the 2015 Mariana dam collapse in Brazil demand justice as a major lawsuit in London concludes. This disaster, blamed on Samarco (owned by Vale and BHP), resulted in nineteen deaths and widespread environmental damage. The lawsuit, involving over 600,000 claimants, seeks accountability from BHP, which denies responsibility. Significant reparations have been offered, but victims argue they were excluded from negotiations.

On Thursday, the mothers of children who perished in the catastrophic 2015 Mariana dam collapse in Brazil expressed their urgent need for justice as the London lawsuit concluded. This disaster, which resulted in the deaths of nineteen individuals, displaced thousands, polluted the Doce River, and decimated local ecosystems. The dam was operated by Samarco, a venture between the mining giants Vale and BHP Billiton.

Gelvana Silva, a grieving mother, spoke poignantly outside London’s High Court, stating, “It was the day that destroyed my life… the day that took away my son,” referring to her seven-year-old son, Thiago. The lawsuit, valued at approximately $46.63 billion, includes over 600,000 Brazilian plaintiffs, 46 local governments, and about 2,000 businesses.

This landmark lawsuit, anticipated to be one of the largest in English legal history, began in October and concluded with closing statements on Thursday. Tom Goodhead, CEO of Pogust Goodhead, representing the claimants, expressed confidence in a potential verdict this summer. Pamela Fernandes, who lost her five-year-old daughter, also shared her sorrow, seeking justice and peace.

BHP contests the lawsuit, claiming it duplicates legal procedures underway in Brazil and requesting its dismissal. The company cites nearly $8 billion provided via the Renova Foundation for reparations, yet it maintains it did not have direct control over the dam and was unaware of any instability prior to the incident. The Brazilian government recently signed an agreement regarding compensation with BHP, Vale, and Samarco, a deal from which Goodhead claims the victims were excluded.

In closing arguments, Goodhead highlighted the ensuing need for accountability. Silva commented on the potential impact of a guilty verdict, asserting, “If the company is convicted, it will be the biggest victory for us… it would have been worth waiting ten years.”

The legal battle surrounding the devastating Mariana dam collapse reflects the victims’ relentless pursuit of justice and accountability from BHP and associated parties. As the lawsuit concludes, the emotional testimonies from affected families underline the profound personal loss endured while emphasizing the scale of the disaster and its long-lasting consequences. The outcome of this case holds significant implications for corporate responsibility in environmental and human rights incidents.

Original Source: www.usnews.com