RIO DE JANEIRO, May 5 (Reuters) - A Brazilian judge on Thursday ratified the settlement Samarco and its owners, BHP Billiton BLT.L and Vale SA VALE5.SA , signed with the Brazilian government in March to cover damages for a deadly dam spill last year, Vale said in a statement.
The deal will see Samarco, BHP and Vale pay an estimated 20 billion reais ($5.6 billion) over 15 years to cover and repair damages.
($1 = 3.55 reais)