BHP GROUP PLC - Samarco Update

Samarco Update

BHP Group Plc
Registration number 3196209
Registered in England and Wales
Share code: BHP
ISIN: GB00BH0P3Z91



NEWS RELEASE
Release Time      IMMEDIATE
Date              24 December 2020
Release Number    27/20



Samarco Update

Samarco Mineração S.A. (Samarco) has met the licensing requirements to restart
operations at its Germano complex in Minas Gerais and its Ubu complex in Espírito
Santo, Brazil, and has commenced iron ore pellet production.

Samarco’s operations were suspended following the failure of the Fundão dam on 5
November 2015.

Samarco’s gradual restart of operations incorporates concentrator 3 at the Germano
complex and pelletising plant 4 at Ubu, as well as a new system of tailings disposal
combining a confined pit and tailings filtering system for dry stacking.

Independent tests have been carried out on Samarco’s preparations for a safe restart
of operations. Samarco expects initially to produce approximately eight million tonnes
of iron ore pellets per annum.

The extensive work undertaken by the Renova Foundation (Renova) to remediate
and compensate for the damages of the failure of the Fundão dam in 2015 continues,
and BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda. continues to support Renova in its work. By November
2020, Renova had spent approximately BRL 10.7 billion (approximately US$2.1
billion) on its remediation and compensation programs. By November 2020,
approximately BRL 3.1 billion (approximately US$620 million) had been paid in
indemnities and emergency financial aid to approximately 325,000 people.

BHP Billiton Brasil Ltda. and Vale S.A. each hold a 50 per cent interest in Samarco.


Further information on BHP can be found at: bhp.com


Sponsor: UBS South Africa (Pty) Limited


Authorised for lodgement by:
Geof Stapledon
Acting Group Company Secretary


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Date: 24-12-2020 07:05:00
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