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A website and Facebook page have been launched to assist mineworkers and their families in registering their claims for silicosis/TB settlements.
According to a statement issued by the companies, those entitled to compensation can use the website – www.SilicosisSettlement.co.za – and Facebook page – www.facebook.com/silicosissettlement to register their details on the mineworker data base. The website and page will also be updated regularly with information.
Following three years of negotiations between companies and claimants’ attorneys, in May this year, the settlement agreement was reached for miners who had contracted silicosis while working underground.
Silicosis is a debilitating pulmonary disease which is caused by inhaling excessive amounts of silica dust found underground, causing damage to the lungs and ultimate death.
The companies African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American SA, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony and Sibanye-Stillwater and attorneys which represented the claimants were Richard Spoor Incorporated, Abrahams Kiewitz Incorporated and the Legal Resources Centre agreed to the settlement of about R5bn.
The settlement needs to be approved by the South Gauteng High Court and this could take several months.
“If and when the settlement has been approved‚ a trust will be set up and the process of compensating ex-mine workers will begin,” the statement read.
Potential claimants and their dependents are encouraged to also contact the call centre at 080 1000 240 to register their claims under the Medical Bureau for Occupational Disease.
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