Silicosis lawsuit against mining firms 'a landmark ruling'
Lawyers for the miners who have been planning a silicosis class action against mining companies have described today's High Court ruling giving them the go ahead as a landmark ruling.
South Gauteng High Court Deputy Judge president Phineas Mojapelo found it was simply not viable to hear all the cases in separate courts.
Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica dust, which workers can be exposed to during gold mining. Once the lungs are scarred, the disease is incurable.
Charles Abrahams from Abrahams Skievitz Incorporated says their clients are aware of the fact that it could take another decade for this case to be finalised.
"I would certainly hope the mining companies take today's judgement seriously and instead of being involved in a very long drawn out case that could take ten to 15 years that it would be in the interest of this country, the gold mining sector and the affected miners that this matter be resolved," he said.
(File photo)