Saturday Star reports that Georgina Jephson, a lawyer at Richard Spoor Attorneys, says that they are optimistic that an out-of-court settlement will be reached in the landmark silicosis class-action lawsuit involving 30 gold mining companies.  

She commented:  “We’re optimistic that we will reach a settlement, but it will likely take time, as it requires a meeting of minds, involving important and difficult issues.  We’re duty-bound to ensure that whatever settlement is achieved is in the best interests of our clients and the broader class.”  In May last year, in a precedent-setting judgment, the Johannesburg High Court certified the first class action in the country’s history for ill workers, allowing former gold mine workers suffering from silicosis and TB to proceed with their claim against gold mining companies.  The groundbreaking case could benefit more than 200,000 mineworkers and their families.  Alan Fine, spokesperson for the Occupational Lung Disease Working Group, which includes African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, Harmony, Goldfields and Sibanye, is also optimistic about reaching a settlement.

• Read this report by Sheree Bega in full at Saturday Star

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