New Rio Doce Agreement transfers over R$ 1.2 billion in new payments for reparations

The New Rio Doce Agreement marks progress in reparations, with the release of new funds since June 2026. The amounts include R$ 243 million for healthcare, R$ 850 million for environmental conservation, and R$ 87.6 million for economic development in Mariana. In addition, R$ 32.4 million was transferred by the Rio Doce Fund for the management of federal conservation units. The economic development initiative in Mariana is presented separately, according to the nature of the funds allocated.

Health: In June 2026, the Ministry of Health released R$ 243 million for 49 municipalities to use in public health actions and projects. This amount is part of the R$ 1.8 billion allocated to policies and actions under the direct responsibility and execution of local municipalities, within the total of R$ 12 billion provided by the Agreement for healthcare.

Community Support: Also in June, BNDES released R$ 24.5 million from the Rio Doce Fund—created for socio-environmental and socioeconomic remediation—for project management in local communities under the responsibility of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz). The Fund has already accumulated approximately R$ 11 billion, including contributions and investment yields. Separately, the New Agreement allocates R$ 5 billion to the Social Participation Fund, intended to finance projects established through public consultation and participation mechanisms outlined in the Agreement. An additional transfer of R$ 16.3 million is scheduled for 2027.

In August 2026, the federal government approved the Bylaws of the Financial Committee of the Rio Doce Fund (CFFRD), a collegiate body responsible for monitoring the allocation of funds. Composed of representatives from the Chief of Staff's Office (Casa Civil), the Ministry of Finance, and the Attorney General's Office (AGU), the CFFRD defines the Fund's governance, oversight, and transparency guidelines. Its minutes, resolutions, and opinions are published on the Rio Doce Reparations Unified Portal.

Environment: In June 2026, the Government of Minas Gerais allocated R$ 850 million to strengthen 17 Conservation Units—protected areas aimed at safeguarding native vegetation, habitats, and water resources—across 39 municipalities in the Rio Doce Basin. Executed by the State Forestry Institute (IEF), the initiative focuses on consolidating these protected areas, forest fire prevention, and land titling regularization.

In August 2026, BNDES made a new transfer of R$ 32.4 million from the Rio Doce Fund for management actions across seven federal conservation units in Espírito Santo and Bahia. These initiatives, managed by ICMBio, are part of a R$ 76.54 million project with disbursements scheduled through 2028. Covered areas include the Goytacazes National Forest, coastal units in Espírito Santo, the Abrolhos Marine National Park, and the Cassurubá Extractive Reserve in Bahia.

Furthermore, federal and Minas Gerais state agencies issued four official statements confirming compliance with specific environmental obligations under the New Agreement. These measures include the restoration of aquatic habitats, air quality monitoring, the transfer of R$ 43 million to protected areas in Espírito Santo, and water and sediment monitoring plans for the Rio Doce Basin.

Compensation: Samarco's Definitive Indemnity Program (PID) closed to new applications on August 15, 2026. Since its launch in February 2025, the PID has disbursed over R$ 11.6 billion in compensation to 316,800 people. For fully documented claims, the average processing time between application and payment has been approximately 20 days, including required judicial approvals. The deadline for new applications does not affect claims already filed, and the number of compensated individuals continues to grow.

According to Fernanda Lavarello, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communication at BHP Brasil, the progress made under the New Rio Doce Agreement stems from collaborative efforts among key stakeholders, including government bodies and social participation channels. "The coordinated action among responsible parties and governance bodies established under the Agreement has driven concrete progress across social and environmental fronts," she stated.

As of April 2026, R$ 42.11 billion had been allocated under the New Agreement, encompassing payments to federative entities and financial aid and compensation to affected individuals.

BHP Brasil, as a shareholder of Samarco, reaffirms its commitment to the remediation process and the fulfillment of all obligations under the New Rio Doce Agreement, prioritizing transparency and ongoing dialogue with communities and authorities.