A definitive agreement has been finalized between the Federal Government of Brazil, the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, public prosecutors, and public defenders (collectively referred to as the Public Authorities) and Samarco, BHP Brasil, and Vale (collectively referred to as the Companies). The Agreement was signed in Brasília in October 2024 and provides for the reparation of the impacts of the Samarco Fundão dam collapse, which occurred in November 2015, and is based on the reparation, indemnification, and compensation work already carried out by the Renova Foundation in Brazil.

The total value of the agreement is R$ 170 billion, which incorporates values already invested to date, in addition to future payments and obligations.

One of Samarco's responsibilities, in continuation of the reparation actions, is the finalization of the resettlements of Novo Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu, in Mariana, Minas Gerais. With house deliveries happening since 2019, August 2025 marks the conclusion of the properties whose works were initiated before the signing of the Agreement. The new districts count, in total, with 388 properties, covering dwellings, businesses, rural properties, plots, private assets (such as associations and churches) and 22 public assets, such as schools, health posts, cemeteries, squares, and water and sewage treatment systems.

Urban infrastructure was also implemented, with street paving, installation of internet and telephone antennas, public lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, and basic sanitation. All public assets have already been delivered and will be managed by the Municipal Administration of Mariana, with a transfer of R$ 108.9 million from Samarco over the next three years.

Six additional properties remain under execution, defined by the residents of Novo Bento Rodrigues subsequent to the Agreement. The forecast is that the completion of these works will occur by June 2026.

The reconstruction of these districts involved the participation of residents throughout the process, such as the choice of new spaces, defined by community voting from a prior selection of land. After this definition, the acquisition, licensing, and approval processes were carried out with public agencies.

The districts were designed to replicate the organization and neighborhood of the originals, considering the topographical characteristics. Each family received a plot of land equal to or larger than the original, with a minimum of 250 m². Residents' participation also included choosing the architecture of their new homes with professionals hired by the reparation team. They offered individualized service, allowing each family to define the style, size, and colors of their home, with the support of a showroom in Mariana for choosing finishes. Families also received financial assistance for purchasing furniture and for moving.

Fernanda Lavarello, Corporate Affairs and Communications Director at BHP Brasil, states that the completion of works in the resettlements of Novo Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu is a result of the commitment to reparation. "For BHP, this moment signifies the materialization of a joint effort that ensures the progression of the agreement."

Another important factor in the conception of the projects was sustainability. In Novo Bento Rodrigues, the topography and solar orientation were designed to optimize the use of natural resources and thermal comfort. Measures to preserve native vegetation and water resources were adopted, with the use of ecological materials, LED lamps, low water consumption systems, and solar heating. The Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is 100% biological, operating through facultative lagoons, without the use of chemicals, and was designed to meet population growth for the next 20 years.

The preservation of the Atlantic Forest was also considered. The choice of local species for planting trees in the streets was made by vote with the residents. In addition to squares and communal areas, a linear park concept was implemented, with ecological trails and alleys connecting preserved areas of the Atlantic Forest.

BHP, as a shareholder of Samarco in a non-operated joint venture, reaffirms its commitment to supporting the fulfillment of its obligations under the Agreement and the finalization of reparation to those affected by the dam collapse.

1 All financial obligations are presented on a real, undiscounted basis, and will accrue inflation at the IPCA inflation rate. Payments will be made in Brazilian Reais.