BHP is facing one of the biggest lawsuits in British legal history, with affected parties seeking up to US$47 billion in damages from the 2015 Mariana dam collapse disaster in Brazil.
The disaster, triggered by a dam owned by a joint venture of BHP and Vale's Samarco, released a stream of toxic mining waste that devastated communities, killed 19 people, and polluted the sacred Doce River.
More than 600,000 Brazilians, alongside local governments and businesses, are pursuing the mining giant in London's High Court.
The claimants argue that the compensation paid so far through Brazil's Renova Foundation, amounting to almost US$8 billion, is insufficient.
BHP, however, contested the lawsuit, citing ongoing damages and questioning the validity of the duplicative legal proceedings.
The trial in London, which is set to last up to 12 weeks, will not only determine BHP's liability but also address whether Brazilian municipalities can pursue further claims.
While the Brazilian government discussed a possible US$30 billion compensation deal, Pogust Goodhead, the law firm representing the claimants, argued that real accountability would only come through the English courts.
The legal battle promises to reshape corporate accountability for environmental disasters, as victims demand comprehensive justice for Brazil's worst environmental catastrophe.
