08:56 AM EDT, 10/21/2024 (MT Newswires) -- BHP Group ( BHP ) is facing a liability trial that began Monday in the UK over the Mariana dam collapse in Brazil, with lawyers representing over 600,000 Brazilians saying a possible settlement in Brazil would not impact proceedings in the UK.

Pogust Goodhead law firm said Saturday that its clients, including about 620,000 affected residents and 46 municipalities as well as 1,500 companies and institutions, were not consulted at any time on the settlement process in Brazil.

The lawsuit in the UK is seeking up to 36 billion pounds ($46.90 billion) in damages from the 2015 collapse of the Mariana dam in Brazil, owned by BHP and Vale's Samarco joint venture, which released toxic sludge that killed 19 people, polluted the Doce River, and left thousands homeless, Reuters said Monday.

BHP is challenging liability, arguing it did not own or operate the dam which contained mining waste, Reuters said. The company also claimed the London lawsuit duplicates Brazilian legal efforts and that it has already paid nearly $8 billion through the Renova Foundation, the report added.

BHP did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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