The worst environmental disaster in Brazil’s history has triggered one of the biggest legal claims ever filed in the Courts of England and Wales: the Mariana dam disaster claim. 

On 5 November 2015, the Fundão tailings dam collapsed in Minas Gerais, Brazil, unleashing approximately 40 million cubic metres of toxic waste, resulting in one the most devastating environmental disasters in Brazilian history.

19 people were killed after an avalanche of mud destroyed the small town of Bento Rodrigues, travelling so quickly that inhabitants did not have time to escape. The liquid, comprised of iron ore and water, made its way through various waterways, flowing into villages, destroying landscapes and indiscriminately damaging infrastructure and wildlife. It travelled 700km to the Atlantic Ocean destroying water supplies, vehicles, habitats, live stocks and, ultimately, peoples’ lives.

Pogust Goodhead represents over 200,000 plaintiffs affected by the Mariana dam disaster, including individuals, Brazilian municipalities, Krenak Indigenous communities, and the Catholic Church, all of whom suffered loss as a result of this disaster.

The case is being brought against the Anglo-Australian company BHP, which operates in Brazil through its subsidiary, Samarco.

In 2022, Pogust Goodhead (previously PGMBM) helped victims of the disaster get their claim reopened in the English Courts, giving them hope for justice and compensation in the future. 

Following a five day hearing at London’s Court of Appeal, three judges gave a unanimous judgment which allows the case to proceed in through the Courts of England and Wales.

Pogust Goodhead looks forward to progressing the claim and finally securing justice for our claimants.

If you are a client in this claim, please head to casoinglesmariana.com.br to confirm your details.