The R$ 170 billion agreement is directed toward the impacted individuals and communities and the rehabilitation of the environment
The Renegotiation Agreement was ratified by the Federal Supreme Court (STF) this Wednesday (November 6). With the approval by the STF, Samarco assumes responsibility for all remediation and compensation actions, including the conclusion of the compensation process and the resettlement of Novo Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu. The agreement also provides for the continuation of environmental recovery actions in the impacted Rio Doce Watershed.
The R$170 billion agreement was signed on October 25 by and between Samarco, Vale and BHP Brasil, the Federal Government, the Governments of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, the Federal and State Public Prosecutors' Offices and the Federal and State Public Defender's Offices (MG and ES), among other public bodies. The Renova Foundation signed as an intervening/consenting party.
“This is yet another step in the pursuit of full and definitive reparation not only for the impacted people and the environment, but also for society. We will never forget the failure of the Fundão dam and we deeply regret the lives lost and the damage caused", emphasized the president of Samarco, Rodrigo Vilela.
The agreement guarantees the continuity of remediation and compensation actions and the fulfillment of future commitments totaling R$132 billion. The obligations include the transfer by the companies of R$100 billion over the next 20 years to the Federal, Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo governments, and respective municipalities that adhere to the agreement, with the objective of financing public policy actions coordinated by these entities, such as basic sanitation, allowing the improvement of the water quality of the Doce River. Another R$32 billion will be used by Samarco to conclude the other compensation, resettlements and environmental recovery actions. Up to September 2024, the Renova Foundation had been in charge of coordinating and executing remediation actions representing a value of R$38 billion.
The transition of Renova's remediation obligations to Samarco will be gradual and carefully planned, distributed over a period of 12 months according to the Agreement. Each activity will be transferred under different terms, depending on its specificities.
Check out the pillars of Samarco's obligations to perform:
Compensation
The Renegotiation Agreement assures the definitive conclusion of compensation in the existing modalities. The optimized compensation process will start to be implemented in February 2025. Until that date, the compensation modalities platforms (PIM/AFE and Novel) will be suspended for necessary adjustments.
The Definitive Compensation Program (PID) is the last opportunity provided for those who were not covered by the current programs, as long as the eligibility criteria are met. The
platform for joining the PID will be available from April 2025. For those who choose this option, the compensation amount will be R$35,000, paid in a single installment.
Family farmers and professional fishermen who meet the agreement criteria will be entitled to a compensation of R$95,000, paid in a single installment. The respective platform will also be available from April 2025 on.
Samarco will cover the legal fees, without deducting them from the compensation due under each individual agreement signed.
Learn more at www.samarco.com/indenizacao .
Resettlement
The Renegotiation Agreement provides for the completion of resettlements in the districts of Novo Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu. To date, 86% of the resettlements have been concluded, and Samarco will now coordinate the completion of the remaining cases. The resettlement process involves the active participation of communities and technical advisors, respecting global resettlement standards. The agreement also provides for the maintenance of these structures for a period of five years from the delivery of the keys with the signing of the settlement agreement or until the definitive transfer of ownership with the registration of the property deed in the name of the family unit.
Find out more at www.samarco.com/reassentamento .
Environmental
Environmental recovery efforts in the impacted Rio Doce Basin will continue with a focus on completing activities as quickly as possible. The main actions include reforestation of 50,000 hectares, completion of the recovery of 5,000 springs, and restoration of riverbanks and the aquatic environment.
At the Risoleta Neves Hydroelectric Plant (UHE Candonga), studies will be carried out regarding the removal of up to 9.15 million m³ of sediment. Samarco will also oversee contaminated areas to monitor environmental quality and identify impacted areas.
Learn more at www.samarco.com/ambiental .
Contact: imprensa@samarco.com