Eight BHP plc employees were among 26 people charged by Brazilian prosecutors on Thursday in relation to the collapse of the country ’s Samarco dam last year . The dam 's collapse killed 19 people , left hundreds without homes and caused environmental damage . prosecutors allege that representatives of BHP and partners , the joint owners of the Samarco mine , were aware the dam could fail but prioritized profit over safety . CEO Andrew Mackenzie and the company faced criticism and were strongly questioned about the company ’s environmental and safety record at the company ’s annual shareholder meeting in London yesterday .
Eight BHP Billiton employees were among 26 people charged by Brazilian prosecutors on Thursday in relation to the collapse of the country’s Samarco dam last year. The dam's collapse killed 19 people, left hundreds without homes and caused environmental damage. Prosecutors allege that employees of BHP and Vale, the joint owners of the Samarco mine, were aware the dam could fail but prioritized profit over safety. CEO Andrew Mackenzie and the board faced protests and were strongly questioned about the company’s environmental and safety record at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in London yesterday.