A UK judge will determine if BHP Group is liable for Brazil’s worst environmental disaster, during which a dam collapse caused significant loss of life and environmental destruction. Claimants are seeking £36 billion in damages, with the case rooted in the company’s legal entity based in London at the time of the incident.
In a significant legal proceeding, a lawyer representing claimants argued that BHP Group, a global mining corporation, should be held accountable for Brazil’s most catastrophic environmental disaster. This incident, which occurred a decade ago, involved the collapse of a dam that released vast amounts of toxic mining waste into a major waterway, resulting in the loss of 19 lives and the devastation of numerous villages.
The High Court Justice Finola O’Farrell announced that she would issue a ruling later concerning the class action case, where plaintiffs are seeking damages amounting to 36 billion pounds, equivalent to approximately 47 billion dollars, from BHP Group. The lawsuit was initiated in Britain due to one of BHP’s primary legal entities being registered in London during the time of the disaster.
The ongoing case against BHP Group represents a critical moment in holding corporations accountable for environmental disasters. With potential damages of 36 billion pounds at stake, the ruling could set a significant precedent for corporate liability in environmental issues. The outcome will await further judgment from High Court Justice Finola O’Farrell, indicating the growing emphasis on corporate responsibility in such tragedies.
Original Source: www.newspressnow.com
