On 5 February 2021, nine Brazilian individuals from Indigenous and Quilombola communities, together with Cainquiama (the Association of Caboclos, Indigenous and Quilombolas of the Amazon), which represents over 11,300 members and their families, filed a class action lawsuit in the District Court of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, against Norsk Hydro, alleging toxic waste pollution from the Paragominas bauxite mine and the 2018 spill at Alunorte's alumina refinery. They are seeking compensation. The company has denied the allegations.

On 19 October 2022, the Court ruled that the case could proceed. In May 2024, the Court recognised the legitimacy of Cainquiama to represent the affected communities. On 12 March 2025, a merits-based hearing was held. On 24 September 2025, the Court ruled that the conditions to impose liability on indirect polluters or controlling shareholders under Brazilian law were not met, and ruled in favour of Norsk Hydro.

According to Norsk Hydro 2025 Annual Report, the ruling was appealed by the claimants in December 2025.

The case is ongoing.

Court documents (in Dutch)

Judgement on merits, 24 September 2025

Decision on procedural points, 29 May 2024

Decision on jurisdiction, 19 October 2022