(BHP Billiton, 26.Jun.2018) – On 2 March 2016, Samarco Mineração S.A., Vale S.A., BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda (the Companies), and the Federal Government of Brazil, the Brazilian states of Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais and other public authorities entered into a Framework Agreement that provides for the settlement of the BRL20 billion Civil Claim. Under this Agreement the Companies agreed to establish a fund for clean-up costs and remediation and for compensation of impacts relating to the Fundão tailings dam failure.
The Companies, the other parties to the Framework Agreement, the Public Prosecutors Office and the Public Defense Office have agreed an arrangement which settles the BRL20 billion Civil Claim, enhances community participation in decisions related to the remediation and compensation programs under the Framework Agreement (Programs), and establishes a process to renegotiate those Programs over two years and to progress settlement of the BRL155 billion Civil Claim (Governance Agreement).
The Governance Agreement is conditional on the Federal Government of Brazil signing the agreement, and is subject to ratification by the 12th Federal Court of Minas Gerais.
Legal Claims
Under the Governance Agreement, the parties have agreed to file a petition with the 12th Federal Court to dismiss the BRL20 billion Civil Claim, and also agreed on a process to dismiss certain other public civil actions which cover the same claims as the BRL155 billion Civil Claim.
The Governance Agreement also provides for the suspension of the BRL155 billion Civil Claim for a period of two years following ratification of the Governance Agreement.
Renegotiation process
During the two year period, the parties will work together to design a single process for the renegotiation of the Programs and progress settlement of the BRL155 billion Civil Claim. The renegotiation process will take into account the principles and rules established under the Framework Agreement, and will be aimed at improvement of the Programs, with the involvement of the affected communities.
The renegotiation of the Programs will be based on certain agreed principles, such as full reparation consistent with Brazilian law, the requirement for a technical basis for any proposed changes, the findings of the socio-economic and socio-environmental experts appointed by both the Companies and the Prosecutors, and consideration of the feedback from the Local and Regional Commissions.
During the renegotiation period and up until revisions to the Programs are agreed, the Renova Foundation will continue to implement the Programs in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement and the Governance Agreement.
Governance Arrangements
A revised governance structure, based on the Framework Agreement, has been agreed to enhance community participation in the process.
The Inter-Federative Committee currently comprises 12 members, and the revised structure includes four additional members, with three being appointed by affected communities and one by the Public Defense Office. The Renova Board currently comprises seven members, with six being appointed by the Companies and one by the Inter-Federative Committee. Under the revised structure, two additional members of the Renova Board will be appointed by the affected communities.
A network of Local and Regional Commissions has also been established along the Rio Doce to secure community participation in the decision making relating to the Programs.
Notes:
Samarco Mineração S.A. is jointly owned by BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda and Vale S.A. Our 50 per cent interest is accounted for as an equity accounted investment.
Public Prosecutors Office includes the Federal, State of Minas Gerais and State of Espirito Santo public prosecutors offices.
Public Defense Office included the Federal, State of Minas Gerais and State of Espirito Santo public defense offices.
BRL155 billion Civil Claim
On 3 May 2016, the Federal Prosecutors commenced proceedings against Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil for BRL155 billion (approximately US$41.5 billion) for social, environmental and economic compensation relating to the Samarco dam failure (BRL155 billion Civil Claim).
The claim includes the Federal Prosecutors seeking an injunction order that Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil deposit BRL7.7 billion (approximately US$2 billion) into a special company account.
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