Brazil Vale says court charges Samarco 2 bln reais for dam burst
RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Vale SA said on Tuesday a judge in Espirito Santo demanded its joint venture with BHP Billiton (NYSE: BBL - news) , Samarco, pay 2 billion reais to cover damage caused in the state by a burst tailings dam in November.
Vale said it would adopt all available measures to ensure its right to a legal defense. (Reporting by Reese Ewing and Stephen Eisenhammer)