Moises Rabinovici: Victims of Samarco seek justice in London
Introduction
The collapse of the Fundão dam in Brazil in 2015 was one of the worst environmental disasters in history. The dam, owned by the mining company Samarco, released a torrent of mud and mining waste that killed 19 people and destroyed entire communities.
In the years since the disaster, victims of the dam collapse have been fighting for justice. In 2023, a group of victims filed a lawsuit against Samarco in London. The lawsuit alleges that Samarco was negligent in its operation of the dam and that the company is liable for the damages caused by the collapse.
The Fundão dam collapse
The Fundão dam was located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dam was built to hold back the tailings from the Samarco iron ore mine. Tailings are the waste products from mining operations, and they can be toxic.
On November 5, 2015, the Fundão dam collapsed. The collapse released a torrent of mud and mining waste that traveled for miles, destroying everything in its path. The mudslide killed 19 people and displaced thousands more.
The aftermath of the dam collapse
The Fundão dam collapse had a devastating impact on the local community. The mudslide destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The mud also contaminated the local water supply, making it unsafe to drink.
In the years since the disaster, victims of the dam collapse have been struggling to rebuild their lives. Many have lost their homes and livelihoods, and they are still suffering from the physical and emotional effects of the disaster.
The lawsuit against Samarco
In 2023, a group of victims of the Fundão dam collapse filed a lawsuit against Samarco in London. The lawsuit alleges that Samarco was negligent in its operation of the dam and that the company is liable for the damages caused by the collapse.
The lawsuit is being brought by the law firm Leigh Day. Leigh Day is a leading human rights law firm that has represented victims of other major environmental disasters, including the BP oil spill and the Rana Plaza factory collapse.
The legal arguments in the lawsuit
The lawsuit against Samarco alleges that the company was negligent in its operation of the Fundão dam. The lawsuit claims that Samarco failed to properly maintain the dam and that the company knew or should have known that the dam was at risk of collapse.
The lawsuit also alleges that Samarco is liable for the damages caused by the dam collapse. The lawsuit claims that Samarco is responsible for the wrongful death of the 19 people who were killed in the collapse and for the injuries suffered by the thousands of people who were displaced.
The potential impact of the lawsuit
The lawsuit against Samarco is a major development in the fight for justice for the victims of the Fundão dam collapse. The lawsuit could result in a significant financial settlement for the victims and could help to hold Samarco accountable for its negligence.
The lawsuit could also have a broader impact on the mining industry. The lawsuit could help to raise awareness of the risks of mining operations and could lead to new regulations to improve safety.
