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BIL 201511130001A
Update: Incident at Samarco
BHP Billiton Plc
Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Share code: BIL
ISIN: GB0000566504
NEWS RELEASE
Release Time IMMEDIATE
Date 13 November 2015
Number 26/15
UPDATE: INCIDENT AT SAMARCO
This update provides further information on the incident at the Samarco Mineração S.A
(Samarco) iron ore operation in Minas Gerais, Brazil on Thursday, 5 November 2015. Each
of BHP Billiton and Vale holds a 50 percent interest in Samarco.
Samarco has advised that, at this stage, there are nine fatalities. Samarco has also advised
that four people previously unaccounted for have been found and 19 people remain
unaccounted for.
We offer our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who have died as a
result of this tragic incident.
BHP Billiton’s immediate priority is the welfare of the Samarco workforce and the community.
The local authorities have advised that through the emergency response, 637 people have
been evacuated and temporary accommodation has been provided. Samarco and authorities
are providing water and food aid to affected communities.
BHP Billiton and Vale have pledged to support Samarco in establishing an emergency fund
for community support and rebuilding works. It is our intention to work with the authorities to
ensure that this fund is functioning as soon as practicable.
Minimising the environmental impact of this incident is also a priority and an Environmental
Recovery Plan is to be developed by Samarco with the support of an external expert.
At this stage, the tailings extend 440 kilometres downstream and 11 communities have been
affected. Samarco has put in place a water monitoring program for the ongoing analysis of
the water quality of the Gualaxo do Norte, Carmo and Doce Rivers. Samarco is working with
relevant authorities to manage river water quality and ensure availability of potable water.
Samarco employees have been put on paid leave and options are being considered by
Samarco for managing the workforce longer term.
Samarco is continuing to monitor the impacted tailings facilities, including the Germano dam.
In conjunction with independent experts, Samarco is developing a plan to reinforce the dam
structures and stabilise the area.
Samarco operations were immediately stopped following the incident and Samarco’s
operating licence has been suspended. The Samarco operations will remain suspended as
authorities commence investigations and rectification work plans are developed.
Samarco and representatives of BHP Billiton and Vale are meeting with lead insurers in
Brazil this week.
Further updates will be provided when information becomes available.
Further information on BHP Billiton can be found at: www.bhpbilliton.com.
Sponsor: Merrill Lynch South Africa Proprietary Limited
Media Relations Investor Relations
Australia Australia
Emily Perry Tara Dines
Tel: +61 3 9609 2800 Mobile: +61 477 325 803 Tel: +61 3 9609 2222 Mobile: +61 499 249 005
email: Emily.Perry@bhpbilliton.com email: Tara.Dines@bhpbilliton.com
Paul Hitchins Andrew Gunn
Tel: + 61 3 9609 2592 Mobile: + 61 419 315 001 Tel: +61 3 9609 3575 Mobile: +61 402 087 354
email: Paul.Hitchins@bhpbilliton.com email: Andrew.Gunn@bhpbilliton.com
Eleanor Nichols United Kingdom and South Africa
Tel: +61 3 9609 2360 Mobile: +61 407 064 748
email: Eleanor.Nichols@bhpbilliton.com Jonathan Price
Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7990 527 726
United Kingdom and Americas email: Jonathan.H.Price@bhpbilliton.com
Ruban Yogarajah Dean Simon
Tel: +44 20 7802 4033 Mobile: +44 7827 082 022 Tel: +44 20 7802 7461 Mobile: +44 7717 511 193
email: Ruban.Yogarajah@bhpbilliton.com email: Dean.Simon@bhpbilliton.com
Jennifer White Americas
Tel: +44 20 7802 7462 Mobile: +44 7827 253 764
email: Jennifer.White@bhpbilliton.com James Agar
Tel: +1 212 310 1421 Mobile: +1 347 882 3011
email: James.Agar@bhpbilliton.com
Joseph Suarez
Tel: +1 212 310 1422 Mobile: +1 646 400 3803
email: Joseph.Suarez@bhpbilliton.com
BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209
Registered in Australia Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office: Level 16, 171 Collins Street Registered Office: Neathouse Place
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia London SW1V 1LH United Kingdom
Tel +61 1300 55 4757 Fax +61 3 9609 3015 Tel +44 20 7802 4000 Fax +44 20 7802 4111
Members of the BHP Billiton Group which is headquartered in Australia
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