BHP Billiton
(ASX:BHP) says that the Brazilian Federal Government along with certain state governments will today begin legal proceedings against Samarco, Vale and BHP for around $5.2 billion in clean-up costs and damages.
At this stage six people remain missing after a dam burst sent 60 million cubic meters of mud and mine waste pollution into a major river valley. 13 people are confirmed dead.
The money is to be used for environmental clean-up of the Rio Doce valley over the next 10 years.
BHP reported a net profit of $3.74 billion for the 2015 financial year.
