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Article

15 Apr 2012

Author:
Emily Dugan, Independent [UK]

Gold miners call British firm to account

A British gold mining firm is to appear in the High Court next month, accused of exposing workers in South Africa to life-threatening diseases caused by dust in the mines. More than a thousand former miners from South Africa are bringing a case against Anglo American through the British courts after contracting the incurable lung disease silicosis. They say they were offered no masks, ventilation or proper protection from dust in mines part-owned by Anglo American, even though it was known that the dust could be harmful…A legal action has been languishing in the South African courts since 2004 and the High court will decide next month whether the company can be sued in the UK…Anglo American argues it is not liable for the claims because the company did not have a majority stake in the mines.