RIO DE JANEIRO, June 3 (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Samarco, co-owned by BHP Billiton BLT.L and Vale SA VALE5.SA , said on Friday it will launch a voluntary layoff program with the aim of cutting 40 percent of its 3,000 employees.
Samarco was forced to shut its mine after a deadly dam spill last November and has not resumed operations.