LEADERSHIP

Disaster strikes Samarco

Reports of mass fatalities as Samarco tailings dam gives way

Kristie Batten

This article is 9 years old. Images might not display.

Operating company Samarco Mineracao confirmed the breach at its Germano mine in a brief statement on its website.

The incident occurred near the towns of Ouro Preto and Mariana in Minas Gerais and pictures from local Brazilian television show a village flooded with muddy water and houses destroyed.

“The organisation is mobilising every effort to prioritise care for people and mitigation damage to the environment,” Samarco said.

“The authorities were informed and responsible teams are already in place to provide assistance.  

“It is not possible at this time to confirm the causes and extent of the incident, as well as the existence of casualties.”

However, Reuters reported that 15-16 people had died and a further 44-45 people were missing.

BHP said it was aware of the incident but was seeking more information from Samarco.

“BHP Billiton is concerned for the safety of its employees and the local community,” the company said.

 

“We will provide updated information on the situation as soon as we are in a position to do so.”

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining News Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining News Intelligence team.

editions

MiningNews.net Research Report 2025

The MNN Research Report 2025 provides insights into critical mining themes in Australia/Oceania, including top projects, C-suite priorities, risk, ESG performance and investor sentiment.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence: Investor Sentiment Report 2025

Exclusive insights into the plans, priorities and preferences of 130+ mining investors and top factors influencing investment decisions in 2025.

editions

Mining Journal Intelligence World Risk Report 2024 (feat. MineHutte ratings)

A detailed analysis of mining investment risks across 117 jurisdictions globally, assessed across six risk categories and an industrywide survey.

editions

Mining Company ESG Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The Mining Company ESG Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.