Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Nineteen Brazilian Cities Join Mariana Dam Compensation Deal
In 2015, a dam connected to an iron ore mine broke near Mariana, Brazil.
The mine was operated by Samarco, a company jointly owned by Vale and BHP.
The collapse killed 19 people and damaged homes, forests, and the Doce River.
Brazil created a compensation agreement involving the mining companies.
Nineteen more cities have now joined that agreement, including Mariana.
This brings the total number of participating cities to 45 out of 49.
The agreement promises 170 billion reais for compensation and repairs.
Some cities had worried that the money would not be enough.
A separate legal case against BHP is continuing in London.
Nineteen cities, including Mariana, joined the compensation agreement for the 2015 Samarco dam collapse.
The agreement provides 170 billion reais in compensation and reparation, including 6 billion reais for affected municipalities.
The deal now has support from 45 of the 49 eligible municipalities, up from 26 in March 2025.
Some municipalities initially resisted, arguing the settlement was insufficient for the disaster’s extensive damage.
BHP was found responsible under Brazilian law in a London ruling, with a damages trial expected to begin in April 2027.
- Who
- Vale, BHP and Samarco, along with municipalities affected by the 2015 dam collapse.
- What
- Nineteen additional cities joined a 170-billion-real compensation and reparation agreement.
- When
- The new participation was reported on August 20; the agreement was signed and ratified in October 2024.
- Where
- The disaster occurred near Mariana in southeastern Brazil, affecting the Doce River; related litigation is taking place in London.
- Why
- The cities are seeking compensation and funding for damage caused by the dam collapse.
Cities Seeking Greater Compensation
Agreement Supporters
Adequacy of the settlement
Cities Seeking Greater Compensation
Some cities argued that the 170-billion-real agreement was insufficient to address the disaster’s extensive environmental and social damage.
Agreement Supporters
Supporters view the agreement as a major source of compensation and reparation, including 6 billion reais designated for affected municipalities.
Participation in the agreement
Cities Seeking Greater Compensation
Municipalities initially delayed signing while considering parallel legal action, including the London case against BHP, which could produce a higher compensation amount.
Agreement Supporters
The growing participation of cities is seen as important to Samarco’s effort to move beyond uncertainty surrounding the collapse.
Position on ongoing litigation
Cities Seeking Greater Compensation
Mariana Mayor Juliano Duarte said the city government would continue supporting individuals and companies involved in the UK lawsuit.
Agreement Supporters
Mariana’s mayor also called joining the agreement a historic victory for the city.
- Disaster date
- 2015
- Death toll
- 19 people
- Total agreement
- 170 billion reais ($32.74 billion) in compensation and reparation
- Municipal funding
- Approximately 6 billion reais earmarked for affected cities
- Participating municipalities
- 45 of 49 eligible cities
- Remaining cities
- Ouro Preto, Governador Valadares, Resplendor and Colatina
- Separate legal case
- A London damages trial involving BHP is expected to begin in April 2027