London court rejects Vale's request to drop 2015 tailings dam breach charges

A London court has rejected Vale's request to drop charges in the Brazil tailings dam disaster case.

The Fundao dam breach in 2015 caused a massive man-made disaster, resulting in liquid mud flooding two settlements and 19 deaths. The ecological damage affected Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, particularly the Dosé River ecosystem.

Vale will appear as a defendant alongside BHP UK and BHP Australia. The lawsuit has already reached a total of $47 billion, with hearings scheduled for April 2024. BHP representatives deny all allegations and claim the case has already been settled in Brazilian courts. The Renova Foundation, created by BHP and Vale, has been responsible for recovery and compensation since 2016.