BRASILIA, March 1 (Reuters) - Samarco Mineracao SA SAMNE.UL will pay at least 20 billion reais ($5 billion) in 15 years as part of a deal with the Brazilian government to settle a lawsuit for damages caused by a deadly dam spill at a mine, a government source told Reuters on Tuesday.
Samarco, a joint venture between Vale VALE5.SA and BHP Billiton BLT.L , will pay 4.4 billion reais in the three years following the agreement that will be signed on Wednesday, said the official who asked for anonymity because the information was not public.
Regarded as Brazil's worst environmental disaster, the burst dam killed 19 people, forced hundreds to leave their homes and polluted one of the country's main rivers. ($1 = 3.9260 Brazilian reais)