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Brazil rejects Vale, BHP settlement offer for Mariana catastrophe

Brazil and the state of Espirito Santo have actually declined a proposal by miners Vale and BHP concerning reparations for the deadly 2015 Mariana tailings dam burst, the federal government stated on Friday.

The statement did not consist of Minas Gerais state, where the catastrophe happened, and which said it wishes to keep negotiating the present proposition.

Vale, BHP and their joint venture Samarco earlier this week presented authorities with a deal to pay a total of 127 billion reais ($ 25.03 billion) as reparations for the dam collapse, including 37 billion reais currently disbursed.

In turning down the deal, the office of Brazil's lawyer general stated in a statement that it does not represent an advance from the company's previous proposition in December and consists of inadmissible conditions.

The November 2015 dam collapse at the Samarco iron ore mine near the town of Mariana, Minas Gerais, triggered a huge flow of mud and mining waste that buried a neighboring town, killing 19 individuals, leaving hundreds homeless and polluting the Doce River, a significant river that streams through Espirito Santo.

Regardless of increasing the quantity that would be directed to the federal and state governments, the latest proposal indicated a. drastic decrease in commitments formerly agreed by the. companies, the government declaration said.

Under the brand-new proposition, the removal of mining tailings from. the Doce River would be considerably smaller sized than previously. agreed and surround a situation of no removal at all, according. to the federal government.

Despite the federal government and Espirito Santo's strong. refusal, the government of Minas Gerais took a various. position.

Secretary for preparation and management Luisa Barreto informed. the state will file a court document requesting the. talks over the existing proposition to continue.

Our understanding is that it is not an ideal proposal,. it is not something we can sign, however it allows us to continue. with the talks, she stated.

Questioned about the matter, BHP reiterated it remains. committed to reparation and payment procedures, and stays. ready to collectively look for options that ensure fair and. extensive reparation for people.

Vale said it remains taken part in reaching a fair and complete. repair contract.

Samarco said it remains open up to dialogue and seeks to. conclude the discussion on the contract without shirking its. obligations.