MPF questions compensation for mining companies after tragedy – 02/15/2023 – Panel SA

The MPF (Federal Public Ministry) questioned the amounts of compensation that the Renova Foundation claims to have paid to the families affected by the tragedy in Mariana (MG).

Renova, which was created to repair the damage caused by the collapse of the dam in 2015, and is maintained by the companies Samarco, BHP Billiton and Vale, released a balance sheet for 2022 this month. In the document, he claimed to have transferred R$ 4.7 billion in indemnities and emergency financial aid.

After disclosing the data, however, the MPF said that, according to the payment records, only R$ 3.07 billion were transferred.

According to the MPF, the accounts show R$ 988 million paid in lawyers’ fees that were “improperly deducted from compensation” and another R$ 411 million in emergency financial aid from previous years, withheld by the company and released after a court decision.

“The letter sent by the Foundation shows that the compensation and aid funds for 2022 total R$ 3.07 billion. $4.4 billion,” the MPF said in a note.

Sought, Renova claims that the BRL 4.7 billion cover payments made in 2022, including retroactive amounts and lawyers’ fees for the people who were compensated.

“The data sent to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office did not include R$ 300 million paid in lawyer fees. Such amounts are not deducted from indemnified persons”, said the organization.

For the MPF, attorney fees and retroactive financial aid could not be included in last year’s balance of payments. The MPF also said that it will send an official letter to the Foundation demanding the updating of values ​​on the internet to maintain transparency and control of the execution of repair programs.

This Tuesday (14), the Sheet showed that the Lula government is reviewing the terms of a new agreement to speed up repairs for the damage caused by the dam break. Among the proposals that had already been agreed upon since the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) and were taken to the new government is the gradual end of the functions of the Renova Foundation.

The understanding is that Renova was unable to achieve the expected objectives and has a bureaucracy that makes it difficult to repair the damage caused by the disaster. The subject is discussed by the government, MPF, and by mining companies.

Joana Cunha with Paulo Ricardo Martins It is Diego Felix

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