Brazilian authorities have announced a preliminary fine of US$66 million for the mining disaster in Minas Gerais. Although the companies responsible for the devastation, Vale and BHP, sent executives and engineers to visit the site and announced a fund to help the people of the affected area, President Dilma Rousseff has explained that the damages are well documented and that the preliminary fine is based on the violation of federal law. Rousseff cited the damage caused to the environment including the watershed, the interruption of the energy supply and the damage caused to public property. teleSUR