Government to fine mining company $65.8 million

After overflying the area devastated by the burst of two tailings dams in Minas Gerais state, President Dilma Rousseff said the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) will impose fines to Samarco mining company for the environmental disaster. “Several laws were violated, including federal laws,” reported Rousseff a week ago.

"Preliminary environmental fines already mount to $65.8 million for river pollution; damage to urban and rural areas; water pollution causing interruption of water supply; release of tailings not meeting the standards adopted by law; and emission of effluents or materials causing damage to biodiversity," she said.

According to Rousseff, these fines are preliminary and others may be imposed. She also said that the federal government, the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, the damaged municipalities, and affected people shall receive compensation.

"The responsible for the accident is a private company: Samarco, a large company, having as partners the companies Vale and BHP Billiton. These companies must be held responsible for several things: first, for the urgent care of the population; second, for the search for more permanent solutions; and third, for rebuilding and for solving daily problems of people affected by this disaster," mentioned Rousseff.

Earlier today(13), IBAMA’s president Marilene Ramos had reported that the agency would impose Samarco two fines mounting to $26.3 million, for releasing tailings into rivers and for the damage caused to biodiversity due to the collapsed dams.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta