NUM welcomes the historic silicosis landmark settlement

NUM Press Statement, 08 March 2016

NUM welcomes the historic silicosis landmark settlement

The National Union Of Mineworkers (NUM) is extremely excited that the ex-mineworkers have reached a landmark settlement of their long-running legal battle against Anglo American South Africa Ltd and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd.

The overall value of the settlement is estimated to be more than R500 million (£23 million). A total of R464 million (£21 million) will be paid into the Q(h)ubeka Trust for distribution while a further amount will be paid to assist the Trust to enable payment of ODMWA compensation to claimants who qualify for it. In addition, Anglo American and AngloGold will fund the costs of the Trust and the medical evaluations.

"The NUM is very excited about the long-anticipated settlement as our decision 6 years ago to attend Anglo American AGMs in London for six years consecutively has finally borne fruits for the sufferers of silicosis as we have been adamant with the industry that a negotiated settlement is the way to go and now that Anglo American and Anglo-gold Ashanti have paved the way,we hope that other Gold producers will follow suit and heed our call for an industry settlement because it must be about those bearing the brunt of suffering and lost dignity rather than pride or denialism and own up to their responsibility of ensuring that they retrieve their dignity as black African Mineworkers," said Peter Bailey, NUM Health and Safety Chairperson.

NUM will continue with robust engagements to convince others to contribute to the Trust and avoid enriching Legal firms rather than those carrying the scars from an unsafe and unhealthy workplace," Bailey added.

For more information, please contact:

Peter Bailey: NUM Health and Safety Chairperson: 082 883 7302
Livhuwani Mammburu: NUM National Spokesperson: 083 809 3257

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/100860023402167