Rock salt mining firm to pay BRL 1.2B settlement for Maceió damages
Braskem announced an agreement with the state of Alagoas to pay BRL 1.2 billion in compensation for ground collapses in neighborhoods of Maceió, the state capital. The disaster was caused by the company’s rock salt mining operations.
The amount will be paid over ten years, according to information the company provided to shareholders on Monday (Nov. 10).
“The balance will be paid in ten variable annual installments, adjusted mainly after 2030, taking into account the company’s payment capacity,” the statement said.
The agreement establishes compensation, indemnification, and reimbursement to the state for the “full repair of all property and non-property damages.” It also provides for the termination of the state government’s lawsuit against the company but still requires judicial approval.
“The signing of the agreement represents a significant step forward for the company in relation to the impacts resulting from the geological event in Alagoas,” the company stated.
Background
The geological accident in Maceió took on dramatic proportions beginning in 2018. Rock salt extraction caused soil instability, leading to subsidence in the neighborhoods of Pinheiro, Mutange, Bebedouro, Bom Parto, and Farol. Thousands of properties were structurally compromised, and it is estimated that more than 60,000 people were forced to leave these areas for safety reasons.
The consequences persisted for years, and in November 2023, the city government declared a state of emergency due to the risk of collapse in one of the rock salt mines.
The Federal Police opened an investigation into the case, and in November last year, 20 people were indicted. The case was then referred to the federal court in Alagoas.
In July 2025, the Alagoas Public Defender’s Office requested BRL 4 billion in compensation for the devaluation of properties owned by residents of neighborhoods near the site of the geological event.
Braskem
Braskem is controlled by Novonor (formerly Odebrecht), with Petrobras as a partner holding 47 percent of the voting shares.
