Mining giant BHP has lost its bid to appeal a High Court ruling that could hold it responsible for a deadly dam collapse in Brazil. This decision paves the way for a landmark trial in London , set to commence in October 2024. Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians have brought legal action against BHP Group after the Fundao dam’s collapse in November 2015. This disaster, in Minas Gerais state, south-eastern Brazil , killed 19 and sent over 40 million cubic metres of toxic waste into the Doce River, becoming Brazil’s worst environmental catastrophe. Lawyers representing individuals, businesses, municipal governments, indigenous groups, and faith-based organisations claim BHP is liable for compensation for losses from the collapse. The dam was owned and operated by Samarco, a joint venture between Brazilian iron ore miner Vale and BHP’s Brazilian subsidiary.…