Victims of Brazil’s worst environmental disaster to pursue claim in UK despite $31bn settlement

Protesters in support of the Mariana dam disaster victims outside the high court’s Rolls Building in London on 21 October 2024. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Lawyers acting for victims of Brazil’s worst environmental disaster have said they will pursue their claim in the UK despite the announcement of a $31bn (£23.9bn) settlement between the Anglo-Australian mining company at the centre of the scandal and the Brazilian authorities.

After three years of negotiations, Mike Henry, BHP’s chief executive, announced on Friday that a “milestone” deal would ensure compensation for all those affected by the catastrophic collapse of the Fundão dam in 2015.