After the Mariana dam disaster in 2015, officials vowed ‘never again’. However, in January 2019, just three years later, a mining disaster struck once again, this time causing an even greater loss to human life.
Nearly 300 people died when a dam containing approximately 12 million cubic metres of tailings collapsed in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, and once again toxic mud was released into the environment. The mud destroyed infrastructure, submerged vehicles and contaminated the water supply, continuing to harm ecological systems and individuals.
Pogust Goodhead initiated a claim in 2019 to hold accountable TÜV SÜD, which certified the stability of the Brumadinho dam despite clear warnings about its potential for destruction. TÜV SÜD is a German industrial inspection company that granted the dam a safety certificate just months before its collapse.
The elements of the catastrophe were evident before it struck; news reports detailed structural problems, damaged monitoring systems, blocked drainage pipes and water seeping from areas of the dam.
The liquefaction of tailings, consisting of water, the by-product of iron ore mining, and the subsequent phenomenal force of mud, was preventable.
Pogust Goodhead is representing around 1,400 victims, including 2 municipalities affected by the tailings from the dam. The case is currently at the merits stage. A hearing to decide TÜV SÜD’s liability is scheduled to take place in the second half of 2025.
