The mining waste released through the rupture of two dams in southeastern Brazil will have a significant negative impact on biodiversity when it reaches the ocean. The collapse, believed to be the world’s largest mining waste accident, killed at least 11 people and Two others are missing. The waste contained high concentration of heavy metals such as arsenic, aluminium and lead. 12 further dams, including one full of mining waste, may also rupture. Samarco, the owner of the dams, is co-owned by Vale of Brazil and BHP Billiton of Australia. The company has been fined 250 million-real (66 million-U.S. dollar) and has agreed to pay a further 1 billion reals (264 million U.S. dollars) in a month. These fines are regarded as exceptionally low.
The mining waste released through the rupture of two dams in southeastern Brazil will have a significant negative impact on biodiversity when it reaches the ocean. The collapse, believed to be the world’s largest mining waste accident, killed at least 11 people and 12 others are missing. The waste contained high concentration of heavy metals such as arsenic, aluminium and lead. Two further dams, including one full of mining waste, may also rupture. Samarco, the owner of the dams, is co-owned by Vale of Brazil and BHP Billiton of Australia. The company has been fined 250 million-real (66 million-U.S. dollar) and has agreed to pay a further 1 billion reals (264 million U.S. dollars) in a month. These fines are regarded as exceptionally low.