BHP Billiton, Vale and Samarco were awarded another extension to settle a BRL 155 billion ($47.6 billion) lawsuit over the Mariana disaster, which killed 19 people and halt operations at the pellet producer in November 2015.
A Brazilian court had set November 16 as the deadline for the three parties to reach an agreement over the dam incident. However, it has extended the deadline for 150 more days, until April 20, 2018.
“During the 150-day extension period, the interim security arrangements provided to the 12th Federal Court and the current suspension of legal proceedings and injunctions under the preliminary agreement will remain in place,” BHP Billiton said in a statement.
BHP also said the company and prosecutors have asked for an amendment to the agreement, which will include state prosecutors in the preliminary agreement and provide for additional community consultation.
The amendment agreement is subject to ratification by the 12th Federal Court, BHP said.