BHP Billiton, Vale and Samarco have reportedly reached a deal over the Mariana disaster, according to a media report from Estadao.
The media report said the three parties reached an agreement with public prosecutors to settle the Mariana case, which led Samarco to halt operations since November 2015. The incident killed 19 people.
The three companies reportedly agreed on new conduct adjustment commitment terms (TAC), yet to be disclosed by the companies. Neither Vale or BHP Billiton commented the matter.
The media report said the new TAC may pave the way for both shareholders, Vale and BHP Billiton, to discuss the future of pellets producer Samarco. Vale has denied recently it would buy BHP’s 50 percent stake in the project.
If reached, a deal between the three companies and public prosecutors may put an end to two separate lawsuits, totaling BRL 175 billion ($46.3 billion).