CLASS ACTION
Mine workers win R5bn in historic silicosis settlement
Seven gold-mining companies have made provisions in the past year for about R5bn that will go towards establishing a trust to pay miners afflicted with silicosis
SA’s largest and most expensive class action to date, brought by mine workers against seven gold mining companies, will finally conclude on Thursday with the signing of a R5bn mediated settlement. Seven gold-mining companies have made provisions in the past year for about R5bn that will go towards establishing a trust to pay miners afflicted with silicosis after working underground and breathing silica-laden dust. Participants confirmed that the parties could sign an agreement on Thursday, provided there were no last-minute developments. The claimants’ attorneys in the silicosis and tuberculosis class-action litigation and the mining companies’ occupational lung disease working group will host a briefing in Johannesburg to sign the agreement. The agreement will have to be ratified by a court before it can be implemented. Richard Spoor, the lawyer representing more than 20 ill miners in the litigation, said on Wednesday: “We are sitting on the brink of reaching an agreement in this m...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.