PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Mining giant BHP Billiton’s CEO Andrew Mackenzie has publicly apologised for last week’s dam burst at its Samarco joint venture (JV), in Brazil, which left nine people dead and a further 19 missing.

“We are deeply sorry, so sorry, to everyone who has suffered, and will suffer, from this terrible tragedy; to the friends and the families of those killed and missing and to those who have lost their homes and their possessions and who feel that their livelihoods may be under threat,” he said at a media conference in Brazil this week.

One of the three tailings dams failed and another was damaged at the Samarco JV, in which Vale also held a stake, on November 5, causing a significant release of mining tailings, which flooded the community of Bento Rodrigues and impacted other communities downstream.

It is estimated that some 637 people have been evacuated and temporary accommodation has been provided, with Samarco and local authorities providing water and food aid to the affected communities.

The Brazilian government has announced preliminary fines of $66.2-million against the miners by the Brazilian environmental regulator for violations, including river pollution and damages to urban areas where water services have now been suspended.

It is believed these fines would be followed by penalties from other government agencies.

Mackenzie said BHP and Vale were working to provide full support to the response efforts, with an immediate focus on rescue operations and humanitarian support to those affected.

“Let me be very clear: we are 100% committed to do everything we can do to support Samarco and make this right,” he stated.

“We have already provided health, safety, environment and geotechnical experts to Samarco and we are working with them to identify further resources that they are going to need in their response effort.”

Mackenzie also announced that the JV partners would create an assistance fund aimed at rebuilding works and to help affected families and communities. Reports have surfaced that the fund could be worth as much as $100-million.

“Make no mistake; the people of Brazil, the people of Mariana, have my absolute determination that we will fully play our part in helping to rebuild your homes, your community and your spirit,” Mackenzie said.

Meanwhile, an environmental recovery plan would also be developed by Samarco with the support of an external expert to minimise the environmental impact of the incident.

BHP said on Friday that Samarco had put in place a water monitoring programme for the ongoing analysis of the water quality of the Gualaxo de Norte, Carmo and Doce rivers, and the company was working with authorities to manage river water quality and to ensure availability of potable water.

Operations at Samarco were immediately suspended following the incident and the miners’ operating licence had been suspended. The operations would remain suspended until authorities had conducted investigations and rectification work plans were developed.

BHP said employees at the mine had been put on paid leave and options were being considered for managing the workforce in the longer term.