Australian miner BHP Billiton has announced that clean-up work focusing on access roads, housing and bridge repairs has commenced in the Barra Longa area affected by the accident which occurred on November 5 at the Fundão dam owned by its Samarco joint venture with Brazilian miner Vale in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The company stated that monitoring of the remaining dam structures at Samarco continues. Interim work to repair the damage to the dams and to reinforce parts of the structure has commenced, while operations at Samarco remain suspended. Samarco and local authorities continue to assess and monitor water quality in the Rio Doce river system. Where water supplies have been affected, alternative water supplies are being provided by Samarco, working with local authorities.
In addition, BHP Billiton confirms its commitment to supporting Samarco with Vale to rebuild the community and restore the environment affected by the breach of the dams. This includes plans to work together with Samarco to establish a voluntary, non-profit fund to support the recovery of the Rio Doce river system.