Vale said on Monday a Brazilian court has dismissed a BRL 20 billion ($5.71 billion) lawsuit filed by Sohumana against Vale, Samarco and BHP Billiton, which asked for environmental and patrimonial indemnities.
According to Vale, the lawsuit has been dismissed entirely, as it was “res judicata,” a case that is no longer subject to appeal after a final judgment is issued. Since the lawsuit was dismissed, the judge didn’t rule on the merits of the case.
The lawsuit filed by Sohumana asked indemnities for alleged environmental and patrimonial damages the Mariana disaster had caused to the city of Mariana, in the state of Minas Gerais.