The Firm represented and funded a number of institutional investors in securities litigation in Australia against BHP Billiton Limited (now BHP Group Limited; "BHP") and certain of its executives. BHP is an Australian-headquartered multinational and one of the world's largest diversified mining and natural resources companies.
The case alleged that BHP knew or should have known as early as 2013 that its Fundão mining waste dam at the Germano iron ore mine in Brazil posed a significant risk of collapse. On November 5, 2015, the dam collapsed, triggering a toxic mudslide that destroyed a nearby village, caused significant loss of life, and resulted in lasting environmental damage. The Firm, together with its Australian counsel, filed proceedings on May 31, 2018, alleging that BHP's failure to adequately disclose this risk caused substantial damages to investors.
After more than seven years of complex litigation, the Firm and Australian counsel negotiated a settlement with BHP in the amount of AUD $110 million. The Federal Court of Australia approved the settlement on December 5, 2025, finding it fair, reasonable, and in the interests of all group members, having regard to the novelty, length, difficulty, and complexity of the proceedings.