Brazil vows to make BHP, Vale pay for deadly mine disaster

By Stephen Eisenhammer and Marta Nogueira MARIANA, Brazil (Reuters) - The Brazilian government on Wednesday said it may fine mining giants BHP Billiton Ltd and Vale SA for the "environmental catastrophe" caused by ruptured dams at an iron ore mine jointly owned by the companies in a southeastern state. It is studying the mine's permits and will ensure the owners pay for cleanup costs, Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira told reporters in Brasília, the capital. "If federal fines are app