Vale, BHP Offer $25B Settlement for Mining Disaster, but Brazil Authorities Want More<\/a><\/p>\nIn rejecting the offer, the office of Brazil\u2019s solicitor general said in a statement that it <\/span>\u201cdoes not represent an advance\u201d from the firm\u2019s previous proposal in December and contains \u201cinadmissible conditions.\u201d<\/p>\nThe November 2015 dam collapse at the Samarco iron ore mine near the town of Mariana, Minas Gerais, caused a vast flow of mud and mining waste that buried a nearby village, killing 19 people, leaving hundreds homeless and polluting the Doce River, a major river that flows through Espirito Santo.<\/p>\n
Despite increasing the amount that would be directed to the federal and state governments, the latest proposal implied \u201ca drastic reduction\u201d in obligations previously agreed by the companies, the government statement said.<\/p>\n
Under the new proposal, the removal of mining tailings from the Doce River would be significantly smaller than previously agreed and \u201cborder a scenario of no removal at all,\u201d according to the federal government.<\/p>\n
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<\/ins> <\/div>\nDespite the federal <\/span>government and Espirito Santo\u2019s strong refusal, the government of Minas Gerais took <\/span>a different position.<\/p>\nSecretary for planning and management Luisa Barreto told Reuters the state will file a court document requesting the talks over the current proposal to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cOur understanding is that it is not a perfect proposal, it is not something we can sign, but it allows us to continue with the talks,\u201d she said<\/span>.<\/p>\nQuestioned about the matter, BHP reiterated it remains committed to reparation and compensation measures, and remains willing to collectively seek solutions that guarantee fair and comprehensive reparation for people.<\/p>\n
Vale said it remains engaged in reaching a fair and full repair agreement.<\/span><\/p>\nSamarco said it remains open to dialog and seeks to conclude the discussion on the agreement without shirking its responsibilities.<\/span><\/p>\n($1 = 5.0734 reais)<\/p>\n
Vale, BHP offer $25 billion settlement for Mariana disaster; authorities seek more<\/p>\n
(Reporting by Marta Nogueira in Rio de Janeiro and Peter Frontini in Sao Paulo; editing by Gabriel Araujo, Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler)<\/p>\n
Photograph: This Nov. 23, 2015 file photo shows the aftermath of the collapse of a mining dam in Bento Rodrigues, Brazil operated by BHP and Vale. (AP Photo\/Leo Correa, File)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n
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