“The Samarco dam failure was a terrible tragedy and our thoughts remain with those affected,” Mackenzie said.

“One year on, our commitment to do the right thing for the people and the environment is unwavering.”

Mackenzie said the relief effort had shifted from the humanitarian response to the Renova Foundation, established by BHP and partner Vale to implement long-term community and environmental programs. 

“We believe the foundation will bring together communities and global experts to identify and deliver the best solutions for the people of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo as well as the Rio Doce basin,” he said.

“Over 90% of the programs have begun and the activity on the ground is extensive. More than 3000 people have been mobilised to rebuild infrastructure, provide community and social services and prepare for the wet season.”

BHP is also weighing up a restart of Samarco, but Mackenzie said it would only take place once it was economically viable and safe to do so.

The partners published the findings of an independent investigation into the failure in August. The report found that design deficiencies and structural defects contributed to the accident that killed 19 people and left hundreds homeless.

Mackenzie said BHP was creating a new global tailings dam standard for its operations.

“It will draw on international leading practice for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of our significant dams and also increase the use of independent reviews,” he said.

“I am determined that the experience and knowledge gained will be used to improve the safety of tailings dams globally through greater use of the world’s best science and engineering.

“We will use this to lift the performance of our own operations.”

BHP and Vale are still facing lawsuits over the disaster and last month, Brazil’s Prosecutors Office filed qualified homicide charges against BHP and certain current and former employees, which the company plans to vigorously defend.

BHP chairman Jac Nasser announced that he would step down, after only staying on to help with the Samarco response. Last week, it was announced that chief commercial officer Dean Dalla Valle, the man in charge of the Samarco relief effort would step down next year.

“A lot has been done in Brazil over the year and there is much still to do,” Mackenzie said.

“Some things will take years to fully resolve but our values will continue to guide our response.”