
South African mineworkers who contracted the respiratory disease silicosis have won a \"landmark\" settlement against mining giant Anglo American, ending a long-running claim, their lawyers said Wednesday. \"This is the first gold miners\' silicosis settlement in South Africa,\" legal firm Leigh Day said in a statement. The London-based firm said the terms of the monetary settlement for the 23 miners were \"confidential.\" \"Today’s settlement gives a significant boost to silicosis victims’ quest for an industry-wide settlement scheme,\" it said. Former mineworkers employed by the firm claimed they got silicosis, which has no known cure, from inhaling dangerous levels of silica dust while drilling rocks in goldmines. When miners are exposed to excessive amounts, silica dust lodges in the lungs and permanently scars the organ. Symptoms include persistent coughing and shortness of breath, and the disease often leads to tuberculosis and death. The cases were brought in 2004 and 2009. Lawyers said seven claimants had died during the course of the trial and that others were in poor health. They added that the settlement was in their \"best interest\". The case was due for an arbitration hearing next year. \"We urge the gold mining companies to establish an industry-wide settlement scheme without delay,\" said lawyer Richard Meeran. Anglo American\'s South African affiliate confirmed that \"the settlement has been reached without admission of liability.\" Anglo American moved its headquarters from Johannesburg to London in 1999, a year after grouping its gold operations into Anglo Gold, now Anglo Gold Ashanti. It has since sold its gold interests. The company also faces a separate class-action suit brought by around 4,000 miners.
GMT 09:43 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Global unemployment down but working poverty rampantGMT 15:13 2018 Sunday ,21 January
All you need to know about Davos 2018GMT 22:33 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Calls for action over dirty money flowingGMT 04:42 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Storm caused 90 mn euros in damage: Dutch insurersGMT 07:06 2018 Friday ,19 January
China economy rebounds in 2017 with 6.9% growthGMT 11:35 2018 Thursday ,18 January
'Massive' infrastructure spending needed in AfricaGMT 14:29 2018 Wednesday ,17 January
GE takes one-off hit of $6.2 bn linked to insurance activitiesGMT 18:55 2018 Tuesday ,16 January
London stock market edges to new high

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor