BHP Billiton confirms nine fatalities at Samarco; licence suspended

BHP Billiton confirmed on Friday that there were nine fatalities at the incident at its Samarco Mineração SA joint venture with Brazilian miner Vale SA and said the operating licence for the mine has been suspended.

In addition, four people previously unaccounted for have been found, while 19 people remain unaccounted for.

The miner said operations at the mine will remain suspended as authorities begin investigations and rectification work plans are developed. The company said it is continuing to monitor the impacted tailings facilities, including the German dam and is developing a plan to reinforce the dam structures and stabilise the area.

Last Thursday, a tailings dam burst at a mine in Brazil’s Minais Gerais region. At the time, it was thought that at least 17 people had died, with almost 50 missing in the resulting mudslides.

BHP Billiton said its immediate priority was the welfare of the Samarco workforce and the community. The local authorities have advised that through the emergency response, 637 people have been evacuated and temporary accommodation has been provided.

BHP Billiton and Vale have established an emergency fund for community support and rebuilding works and the companies said they intend to work with authorities to ensure the fund is functioning as soon as practicable.

Minimising the environmental impact of the incident is also a priority and an environmental recovery plan is to be developed by Samarco and an an external expert.

BHP said that at this stage, the tailings extend 440 kilometres downstream and 11 communities have been affected.

Samarco has put in place a water monitoring program for the ongoing analysis of the water quality of the Gualaxo do Norte, Carmo and Doce Rivers and is working with relevant authorities to manage river water quality and ensure availability of potable water.