Samarco is reopening its Definitive Indemnity Program for victims of the Fundão dam collapse in Mariana, Brazil [1].

This move follows a judicial decision requiring the company to continue payments to those affected by the 2015 disaster [1]. The collapse remains one of the most significant environmental and human tragedies in Brazilian history, leaving a legacy of legal battles over reparations.

Eligible individuals and legal entities can apply for a single payment of R$ 35,000 [2]. The window for applicants to join the program is scheduled from May 18 to July 1, 2024 [2].

Samarco is a mining joint venture between the companies Vale and BHP Billiton [1]. The company has previously distributed more than R$ 11 billion in total indemnities [3].

This latest round of payments aims to resolve outstanding claims through a structured legal framework. The program allows victims to secure a fixed sum in exchange for waiving further claims related to the specific indemnity category. The process is designed to streamline the distribution of funds mandated by the courts [1].

Local authorities in Minas Gerais continue to monitor the recovery of the region. While the one-time payments provide immediate financial relief, the long-term environmental restoration of the area remains a central point of contention between the joint venture and the affected communities [1].

“Eligible individuals and legal entities can apply for a single payment of R$ 35,000”

The reopening of the PID reflects the ongoing legal pressure on Vale and BHP Billiton to settle liabilities from the 2015 disaster. By offering a standardized one-time payment, Samarco attempts to cap its financial exposure and reduce the number of active lawsuits, though the reliance on court mandates suggests that the settlement process remains far from a voluntary corporate resolution.