BHP Faces Legal Setback in Historic Brazil Dam Collapse Case

BHP's appeal against a ruling assigning it liability for the 2015 Fundao dam collapse in Brazil was denied by London's High Court. The lawsuit, valued at up to £36 billion, marks one of the largest in English legal history. A further trial to decide damages will commence in October.

On Monday, BHP's attempt to appeal a ruling on its liability for the catastrophic 2015 Fundao dam collapse in Brazil was rejected by London's High Court. The court previously determined that BHP was legally responsible for the disaster involving the Samarco joint venture.

BHP's application for appeal permission being refused doesn't end matters. The company retains the option to appeal directly to the Court of Appeal. The claimants, whose legal team previously cited the lawsuit's value at up to £36 billion, also claimed nearly £200 million in legal fees post-initial verdict.

The initial court proceedings focused on BHP's liability, with a subsequent trial set for October to decide on the damages. The 2015 dam collapse, considered Brazil's worst environmental disaster, resulted in 19 fatalities, numerous individuals left homeless, significant ecological damage, and long-term pollution of the Doce River.

(With inputs from agencies.)