Archive · 19 Jan 2026
BHP Denied Appeal in UK Case Over 2015 Brazil Dam Collapse
BHP, a big mining company, was told by a court in London that they are responsible for a very bad accident in Brazil in 2015.
A dam they owned with another company broke, causing a huge mess.
Many people and the environment were hurt.
The court said BHP should not have made the dam taller, which caused it to break.
Now, BHP wanted to appeal this decision, but the court said no.
The next step is to decide how much money BHP needs to pay for the damages.
This could be a lot of money, maybe up to 36 billion pounds.
The final decision on damages is expected in mid-2027.
BHP was denied permission to appeal a UK High Court ruling that found it liable for the 2015 Fundao dam collapse in Brazil.
The dam collapse was Brazil's worst environmental disaster, killing 19 people and causing extensive environmental damage.
The lawsuit, one of the largest in English legal history, could be worth up to 36 billion pounds in damages.
The next trial to determine the damages is set to begin in October 2024, with a ruling expected in mid-2027.
BHP can still apply directly to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the ruling.
- Who
- BHP and Vale's Samarco joint venture
- What
- Collapse of the Fundao dam
- When
- 2015, with ongoing legal proceedings
- Where
- Southeastern Brazil
- Why
- BHP was found legally responsible for the dam's collapse
- Company
- BHP
- Disaster
- Fundao dam collapse
- Location
- Southeastern Brazil
- Year
- 2015
- Potential Damages
- Up to 36 billion pounds
- Legal Fees Sought
- Nearly 200 million pounds
- Next Trial
- October 2024 (damages)
- Expected Ruling
- Mid-2027