Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Mariana Dam Disaster

22 June 2023 · 4 other contributors · 6,084 words

Opened by Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

Responding minister: Leo Docherty

Foreign AffairsEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Jim Shannon raised concerns about mariana dam disaster in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the 2015 Fundo tailings dam collapse in Brazil, which killed 19 people and caused extensive environmental damage.
  • Request made for the UK Government to implement stronger accountability mechanisms for UK corporations operating internationally.
  • Minister expressed condolences and acknowledged ongoing legal proceedings against BHP for compensation.

Key requests to Government

I ask the Government to recognise the UK's role in stopping such disasters from happening again and enforce changes to prevent them, including implementing stronger accountability mechanisms for UK corporations operating both domestically and internationally. I also request that my Government take action to crack down on British companies failing to live up to their social and environmental credentials at home and abroad.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

I am concerned about the 2015 collapse of the Fundão tailings dam at the Samarco Mariana mine complex in Brazil, which killed 19 people and released 40 million cubic metres of tailings. The disaster affected over 600 km of waterways, destroyed 80% of native vegetation near tributaries and main channels of the Doce River, led to the death of thousands of fish and hundreds of birds, and severely impacted indigenous communities such as the Krenak by damaging their river source. It also caused extensive socio-environmental damage estimated between US$6.73 billion and US$10.85 billion.

Other contributors (4)
  • Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East

    Hamilton expressed deep concern over the Mariana dam disaster in Brazil, highlighting the environmental and social impacts. He mentioned 60 million cubic metres of iron waste released into the Doce river, affecting a vast area stretching over 530 miles. Hamilton also discussed the need for British companies to uphold high standards abroad and condemned BHP's behaviour post-disaster. He called for transparency in remediation efforts and questioned whether similar targeting of indigenous populations is occurring globally.

  • John Martin McDonnell Lab Hayes and Harlington

    Mr McDonnell raised the potential for legislative reforms to ensure accountability of companies, prevention of human rights abuses, and environmental protections. He highlighted directors' responsibilities in this context.

  • John McNally Lab Crewe and Nantwich

    He is concerned about the lack of accountability and justice for victims of the Mariana dam disaster, which killed 19 people and affected around 700,000. The collapse has devastated indigenous communities like the Krenak people and polluted the River Doce, impacting their livelihoods and sacred resources.

  • Tan Dhesi Lab Slough

    Mr Dhesi thanked those involved in securing the debate and discussed the need for British companies to uphold high safety standards globally. He mentioned that over 19 lives were lost due to the disaster, impacting indigenous communities severely. Mr Dhesi also cited a report indicating that despite several anomalies found at the dam since its operation began in 2008, production was kept at high levels until the disaster occurred. Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing struggle of affected community members who have suffered for over seven years. He calls for protection of environmental activists in Brazil and for justice for those fighting against deforestation and murders like those of Dom Phillips and Bruno Pereira.

Government Response

Leo Docherty

I congratulate the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon) on securing this debate and thank all contributors. I express condolences to those affected by the Mariana dam disaster, which released 60 million cubic metres of toxic waste in November 2015, claiming 19 lives and causing widespread destruction. The minister highlights ongoing legal proceedings against mining company BHP for compensation but cannot comment further on these matters due to their judicial nature. Since the disaster, the UK has prioritised promoting improved technology, governance, and safety standards for tailings dams in Brazil through public events showcasing UK expertise. A second dam collapse in Brumadinho in 2019 led to a collaboration with international partners to publish global industry standards on tailings management, improving safety worldwide. The British consulate general held workshops in partnership with the Brazilian Government and United Nations environment programme to promote these new standards in Brazil. In 2021, the embassy signed an MoU with Minas Gerais prosecutor's office to collaborate on transparency standards for tailings dam management, leading to the launch of a global independent monitoring centre using British satellite systems. This initiative aims to improve safety and transparency globally, reducing the risk of similar disasters. The minister agrees to write to the hon. Member for Leeds North East with an update on judgments regarding ecocide law.

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