Pogust Goodhead secures new funding and a strategic partnership as the Mariana case advances
Pogust Goodhead has announced a new funding facility of up to $150 million from Gramercy Funds Management and a strategic partnership with Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan as the Mariana Dam litigation moves into its next phase.
The funding package includes an initial tranche of $85 million and is dedicated exclusively to the Mariana Dam proceedings against mining giant BHP. The case is one of the largest group actions in English legal history.
The litigation stems from the 2015 Fundão dam collapse in Minas Gerais, Brazil, widely recognised as the country’s largest environmental disaster. In November 2025, the High Court ruled that BHP was liable for the disaster. More recently, the Court of Appeal refused BHP permission to appeal that landmark liability judgment, allowing the case to proceed to the next stage.
With liability established, the proceedings have now entered the Quantum phase. During this phase, the court will determine the amount of compensation payable to the hundreds of thousands of claimants.
Pogust Goodhead said the new funding arrangement, together with its partnership with Quinn Emanuel, will strengthen its ability to pursue compensation claims and work towards a resolution for those affected by the disaster.
Quinn Emanuel, a global disputes firm known for handling complex litigation, will work alongside Pogust Goodhead throughout the Quantum phase. The Quinn Emanuel team will be led by partner Justin Michaelson, who will collaborate with Pogust Goodhead on the strategy and management of the proceedings.
According to the firms, the partnership combines Quinn Emanuel’s experience in major international disputes with Pogust Goodhead’s extensive involvement in the Mariana litigation and cross-border group actions.
Howard Morris, chairman of Pogust Goodhead, said the case had reached a pivotal stage following the liability ruling and the rejection of BHP’s appeal efforts.
“For more than a decade, our clients have fought for accountability. With liability now established and BHP’s attempts to challenge that finding rejected, the focus turns to securing the compensation they deserve and bringing this case to a long-awaited resolution,” Morris said.
He added that the support from Gramercy and the partnership with Quinn Emanuel would provide the resources and expertise required to pursue the next phase of the litigation.
Justin Michaelson described the proceedings as one of the most significant group actions ever brought before the English courts.
He said Quinn Emanuel was proud to join Pogust Goodhead at a critical point in the case and that both firms would focus on securing the strongest possible outcome for claimants as the long-running litigation continues.