Resources Minister Josh Frydenberg has warned mining companies to maintain the highest operating standards despite pressure from falling commodity prices.
Mr Frydenberg was responding to what he described as a "human tragedy" in Brazil, where two collection dams broke at an iron ore mine part-owned by Australia-based BHP Billiton, flattening the village of Bento Rodrigues and killing eight people.
"It's vital at a time of increased pressure on the budget bottom line for energy and mining companies, that they continue to adhere to the highest standards of safety and environmental standards," he told reporters in Melbourne on Friday.
Mr Frydenberg intends to speak to BHP chief Andrew Mackenzie on his return from visiting the accident site in Brazil.
"As well I'm reaching out to my Brazilian counterpart to express our deepest sympathies," he said.
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"This is a human tragedy, and we deeply regret the loss of life."
Labor's resources spokesman Gary Gray labelled the disaster "terrible", but said he was really pleased to see the way BHP had responded.
He said it showed that while Australian companies can achieve great things overseas, it came with great responsibilities.
"I'm glad to see Andrew McKenzie and the BHP team out there working, not just to make good the damage that's been done but to support and repair those communities," he told Sky News on Friday.
