Brazil studying fines on mine operator in dam disaster -minister

Valecha Engineering

11/11/2015 15:43

BRASILIA, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Brazil's environment minister 
Izabella Teixeira said on Wednesday the federal government is 
looking into possible federal fines the Samarco mining company 
would have to pay for what she called the worst "environmental 
catastrophe" in the state of Minas Gerais. 
     Neither authorities nor mine operator Samarco - a joint 
venture between the world's largest mining company, BHP Billiton 
Ltd  BHP.AX  BHP.N  BLT.L , and the biggest iron ore miner, Vale 
SA  VALE5.SA  VALE.N  - have determined a cause for the rupture 
of two tailing pond dams that left 8 people dead and 21 missing. 
    "The impact is regional. If federal fines are applicable, we 
will apply them. We will be strict." she told reporters, adding: 
"There will be punishment, and under Brazilian law the 
environment has to be repaired." 
 
 (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) 
 ((anthony.boadle@thomsonreuters.com; +55 61 3426-7018; Reuters 
Messaging: anthony.boadle.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net;)) 
 
Keywords: BRAZIL DAMBURST/FINES