BHP Billiton faces £30bn compensation claim over Brazil dam disaster

Mining subsidiary Samarco blamed for country's worst environmental tragedy, which left 19 dead, but critics say legal case is politically motivated

The mining group BHP Billiton and its partner Vale are facing a 155bn reais (30bn) claim from Brazilian prosecutors over an iron ore mine dam collapse last year that released a torrent of toxic mud, killing 19 people and leaving 700 homeless.

Shares in the London-listed BHP plunged almost 10% after the charges were revealed into what is being called Brazil's worst ever environmental disaster. They closed down nearly 6%.