The news that the mining companies will appeal against the decision of the High Court in South Africa on 13 May 2016 to certify (i.e. allow to proceed) the class action on behalf of 30,000 current and ex-gold miners with silicosis and TB is deeply disappointing. ACTSA called on the mining companies when the High Court decision was announced not to appeal but to meet urgently with the representatives of the miners and ex-miners with silicosis and TB to agree a settlement which provides decent health care and compensation.

...The mining companies say they want a settlement and not protracted litigation yet it is they who have decided to appeal. The obvious conclusion is that the mining companies are involved in tactics to delay any settlement and for compensation eventually agreed to be at a low amount. Justice delayed is justice denied as many of those with silicosis and TB are becoming elderly and increasingly ill. They may die before a settlement is reached...