Company is accused of fraudulently overstating its ability to manage safety risks before a fatal dam burst in November last year at a Brazilian mine it co-owns and operates NEW YORK — BHP Billiton has been sued in the US by investors who accused the firm of fraudulently overstating its ability to manage safety risks before a fatal dam burst in November last year at a Brazilian mine it co-owns and operates.In a complaint filed in the US District Court in Manhattan on Wednesday, investors led by the Jackson County Employees’ Retirement System in Michigan said BHP inflated the price of its American depositary receipts (ADRs) by ignoring safety risks and overstating its commitment to safety before the disaster.Four officials were also sued, including CEO Andrew Mackenzie and chairman Jac Nasser.BHP said on Thursday that it disputed the allegations and would "vigorously defend the matter".The lawsuit follows the dam burst on November 5 last year at an iron ore mine run by Samarco, a join...
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