Samarco Mineração : starts to pay compensation to impacted families

02/01/2016

Throughout the month of January, each family which had a member who went missing or died as a result of the dam accident will receive R$100 thousand as a preliminary compensation. The family groups which had to relocate due to losing their homes will receive R$ 20 thousand, of which 50% will not be considered as an advance compensation. The initiative is part of an agreement signed with the Public Prosecution Service of Minas Gerais, in a hearing held on 23 December in Mariana, which formalized several humanitarian relief actions.

In addition to these advance payments, the Company has agreed to continue providing a monthly allowance, in the form of a prepaid debit card, for at least 12 months, regardless of whether the normal source of income has been resumed or not. The allowance consists of the official minimum monthly wage for each person in the household that lost their livelihood, plus an additional 20% for each dependant, complemented by a staple food kit valued at R$ 338, according to the government entity Departamento Intersindical de Estatística e Estudos Socioeconômicos (Dieese).

The document signed with the Public Prosecution Service also addresses issues related to housing and transfer of families to temporary homes, in addition to the definitive indemnity to be provided to the affected people and the reconstruction of the villages, with the effective participation of the residents. Samarco's efforts to lodge families in rented homes was recognized by the prosecutors.

The Company was able to assure that 99% of the impacted families were able to spend Christmas in rented homes or with relatives. Only four families chose to remain in hotels and inns, so far. One of these families is awaiting the completion of the renovation of their house by Samarco.