As announced on 30 November 2015, the Federal Attorney General, the States of Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais and other public authorities have commenced a public civil claim, seeking the establishment of a fund for clean-up costs and damages relating to the Samarco dam failure. As referred to in the BHP Billiton results for the half year ended 31 December 2015, BHP Billiton Brasil, Samarco and Vale S.A. are in negotiations with the Brazilian Government in relation to that claim.

There has been speculation in the press that a settlement has been reached with the Brazilian authorities concerning the claim. Significant progress has been made with the negotiations, and we are hopeful that an agreement will be reached. If and when that happens, an announcement will be made at that time.

For more information, please see our News Release.