BHP Settles Australian Samarco Class Action for $72.5 Million

Mining giant BHP has agreed to pay A$110 million ($72.52 million) to settle an Australian shareholder class action related to the 2015 Fundao tailings dam collapse. The settlement is related to the deadly disaster that killed 19 people and caused widespread environmental damage. The payment is part of a global settlement with Brazilian authorities and other parties.

Mining giant BHP Group has agreed to pay A$110 million ($72.52 million) to settle an Australian shareholder class action related to the 2015 Fundao tailings dam collapse. The settlement, announced on Tuesday, is part of a broader global settlement with Brazilian authorities and other parties [1].

The deadly disaster in Brazil resulted in the loss of 19 lives and caused significant environmental damage. The settlement, which was reached through a class action lawsuit, aims to address the financial losses incurred by shareholders due to the incident. The payment is a significant step in BHP's efforts to address the aftermath of the tragedy and provide compensation to those affected.

This settlement comes at a critical time for BHP, which has been focusing on strategic capital allocation to support its growth in the green economy. The company recently raised €1.4 billion through a dual-tranche bond offering to fund copper expansion, strategic acquisitions, and decarbonization projects. Copper, which now accounts for 59% of BHP's EBITDA, is central to the company's decarbonization goals and the global energy transition [2].

Despite the settlement, BHP remains committed to its strategic focus on copper and decarbonization. The company's recent financial results reflect a strong commitment to growth and shareholder returns, with a record copper production of 2 million tonnes in FY25 and significant investments in copper development. These investments are aimed at capitalizing on the projected surge in global copper demand, which is expected to grow by 54% by 2050 [3].

The settlement is a reminder of the importance of corporate responsibility and the need for transparency in addressing past incidents. As BHP continues to navigate the complexities of the global energy transition, this settlement underscores the company's commitment to addressing the legacy of past events and focusing on sustainable growth.

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/mining-giant-bhp-settles-australian-samarco-class-action-for-72-5-million-ce7d59dfd889f226
[2] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L3N3UV1HJ:0-mining-giant-bhp-settles-australian-samarco-class-action-for-72-5-million/
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/bhp-eur1-4-billion-dual-tranche-bond-offering-strategic-capital-allocation-copper-driven-growth-2509/