Mining settlement

bHP billiton and its brazilian partner Vale have moved closer to settling with authorities over the Samarco mine disaster that killed 19 people in 2015.

a dam designed to hold back mine waste burst causing brazil’s worst ever environmental disaster.

authorities have agreed to drop a £4bn lawsuit and defer a second £31bn lawsuit for two years while the companies’ efforts to clean up and compensate residents continue.

authorities and local communities will also have a greater role in a foundation set up to help victims, under a deal struck this week.