13 May 2016•Update: 20 May 2016
By Hassan Isilow
JOHANNESBURG
A high court in South Africa Friday allowed thousands of former gold miners to proceed with a lawsuit against mining companies for lung diseases they contracted during their employment.
Judge Phineas Mojapelo told Johannesburg High Court: “We have reached the consensus that there are sufficient common issues to justify the class action.”
His ruling allows thousands of former workers suffering from lung disease to jointly sue 32 mining companies for alleged negligence. Many of the workers have contracted silicosis, an incurable lung condition, while working under ground.
Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust contained in gold-rocks. The lung disease causes breathing difficulties and a regular cough which can lead to tuberculosis.
Several miners who contracted the disease have not been able to work for many years. The lawsuit is an attempt to bring compensation.
One former miner, who wanted to remain anonymous, told Anadolu Agency: “I’m finally relieved that we can sue and be compensated for damages caused to us.”
Mining companies could be forced to pay out millions of rand in compensation for claims that stretch back decades and involve 200,000 victims. Firms have not commented on the ruling yet but are expected to issue a joint statement later today.
South Africa, which is one of the world's largest producers of gold and other minerals, has the deepest and oldest mining shafts in the world.
Miners often complain of poor pay and difficult working conditions. In February, 76 mineworkers were rescued from a Lilly goldmine in Mpumalanga Province after it collapsed. Three workers are still missing.
Several miners have lost limbs or become paralyzed as a result of accidents which are common in the mineral-rich country.
Thirty-four miners were killed in 2012 when police opened fire on striking workers near the Lonmin- platinum mines in Marikana.
