Brazil to sue dam spill mining companies for USD 5.2 billion

Brazil's government said today it will sue mining giants BHP Billiton and Vale for USD 5.2 billion in clean-up costs and damages after the deadly collapse of a waste water dam at an iron-ore mine.

Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said a lawsuit would be filed demanding the companies, plus mine operator Samarco, which they co-own, create a fund of 20 billion reais. The money would go to environmental recovery and compensation for victims.