$1.125 bn deal reached over deadly Brazil mudslide March 3, 2016 - 09:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The owners of a Brazilian mine that breached a dam, setting off a deadly mudslide, has agreed to pay 4.4bn reais ($1.125 bn) in damages, according to BBC News. Samarco - co-owned by Vale and BHP Billiton - will pay 2bn reais in 2016 and 1.2bn each in 2017 and 2018. The Brazilian government originally demanded 20bn reais to address what is considered the country's worst environmental disaster. In November, two Samarco dams ruptured setting off a deadly mudslide. The mudslide destroyed the town of Mariana in southern Brazil and killed 19 people. "This agreement demonstrates our commitment to repairing the damage caused and to contributing to a lasting improvement in the Rio Doce," Samarco said in a statement. Under the terms of the agreement Brazilian Vale and Australian BHP Billiton will be jointly responsible for the payments if Samarco cannot make them. The money is being divided into two categories - environmental restoration and compensation for communities. In February, a police investigation determined Samarco executive had been negligent. Six of the mine's executives including its president were charged with homicide.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24  U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan.Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says.Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |
