In July 2024, Vale and BHP entered into a confidential agreement under which BHP in the UK and Vale in the Netherlands are equally liable for amounts ordered to be paid.
With the UK High Court finding BHP liable this Friday (14th), the case will move to the second stage, scheduled to begin in October 2026, when the amount of compensation will be determined.
Following decisions and appeals at this stage, the amount of losses suffered and compensation for each claimant may be subject to a third trial in due course.
The Brazilian mining company recalled that it had already recognized a provision of USD 2.4 billion as a liability under the definitive agreement signed with the Brazilian authorities in October 2024 towards the full resolution of the main litigation.
“Future expenditures related to the definitive agreement are consistent with the figures disclosed in the third quarter 2025 financial results announcement,” Vale said in a statement.
The authors of the action in the UK are demanding £36 billion, equivalent to more than R250 billion. Today’s decision also gave effect to waivers and settlement terms signed by claimants who have already received compensation in Brazil.
“Vale and BHP are confident that the final agreement signed in Brazil in October 2024 provides the fastest and most effective mechanism to compensate those affected,” the company said.
Since 2015, Samarco, BHP Brazil and Vale have allocated US$13 billion for compensation and reparations efforts to individuals and Brazilian authorities affected by the Mariana disaster.
Of this amount, more than US$6 billion has been paid out in compensation and financial support to at least 610,000 people, including around 240,000 claimants in the UK who have been granted relief from related claims.
“Environmental recovery in the affected areas has made significant progress, with the reconstruction of the communities of Novo Bento Rodríguez and Paracatu reaching 98% completion,” Vale said.
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