Tue Sep 17 06:20:24 UTC 2024: ## Brazilian Government Confirms $18 Billion Deal in Talks with Mining Companies for 2015 Dam Collapse
**Belo Horizonte, Brazil** – The Brazilian government confirmed on Monday that it is in negotiations with three mining companies over a potential $18 billion payout for the deadly 2015 dam collapse in Minas Gerais state. The deal could also involve further repair work by the companies themselves.
The agreement, expected to be finalized in October, involves Vale, BHP, and their joint venture Samarco. The companies are set to pay an additional $18.2 billion in compensation for the disaster, bringing the total payout to over $26 billion.
Energy and Mining Minister Alexandre Silveira confirmed the talks in an interview, revealing that the deal also encompasses $7 billion in remediation efforts by the companies, including removing toxic mining waste from the Doce River.
The collapse of the dam at a Samarco iron ore mine near Mariana nine years ago resulted in a devastating wave of toxic tailings. The disaster killed 19 people, left hundreds homeless, destroyed forests, and polluted the Doce River.
The miners have already paid $8 billion in remediation and compensation. A previous proposal for $15 billion in new resources plus $3.7 billion in repairs was not fully accepted by officials.
While Vale did not specify the potential deal amount, they confirmed their expectation of reaching an agreement in October. BHP and Samarco also confirmed the ongoing talks and expressed optimism for a swift resolution.
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