The decision by the High Court in South Africa on 13 May that a class action representing 30,000 ex- gold miners suffering from silicosis can go ahead is very welcome. It should lead to an industry wide compensation scheme for all with silicosis...

“Silicosis sufferers need and deserve justice now, I urge the mining companies not to seek to drag out the process. Many of those with silicosis also have TB and their health is deteriorating. If justice is further delayed it will be denied to many with silicosis as they will die before there is a settlement. The mining companies will be judged not by their words but by their actions.

“It is a scandal that workers were not better protected from the silica dust.  It is an outrage those with silicosis have had to take legal action to try and achieve what the mining companies should have provided many years ago, decent health care and compensation for all those with silicosis.”[said Tony Dykes, Director of ACTSA]