BRASILIA, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Brazil's environment minister
Izabella Teixeira said on Wednesday the federal government is
looking into possible federal fines the Samarco mining company
would have to pay for what she called the worst "environmental
catastrophe" in the state of Minas Gerais.
Neither authorities nor mine operator Samarco - a joint
venture between the world's largest mining company, BHP Billiton
Ltd BHP.AX BHP.N BLT.L , and the biggest iron ore miner, Vale
SA VALE5.SA VALE.N - have determined a cause for the rupture
of two tailing pond dams that left 8 people dead and 21 missing.
"The impact is regional. If federal fines are applicable, we
will apply them. We will be strict." she told reporters, adding:
"There will be punishment, and under Brazilian law the
environment has to be repaired."