Global diversified miner Anglo American PLC said Thursday that it will offer to cover the medical expenses of gold miners in South Africa who have filed claims related to respiratory ailments against the company.
“This is one of those situations where, even though Anglo American firmly believes it is not liable, it has decided, as a responsible corporate citizen, to respond to the request for assistance,” Chief Executive Cynthia Carroll told at an annual general meeting with shareholders.
See http://www.marketwatch.com/story/anglo-american-to-help-miners-with-medical-claims-2011-04-21.
The announcement came the day after a press conference in South African involving claimants and lawyers from London-based Leigh Day and Co solicitors. For coverage of the press conference and background to the cases, see:
Anglo faces questions about dust-related illnesses
Workers illness to be put on agenda at Anglo American AGM on Thursday.
http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=140910
Anglo ‘ignored’ ill miners
A day ahead of the AGM of the South African company’s parent, Anglo American plc, in London, lawyers held a press briefing in Johannesburg at which they alleged that Anglo American SA ignored the health of its miners, some of whom are exposed to more than four times the internationally accepted levels of silica dust.
http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article1033125.ece/Anglo-ignored-ill-miners
Test case against Anglo SA could lead to suit avalanche
A test case against Anglo American South Africa, which if successful will bring an avalanche of suits against the mining industry, will be heard next year after miners who contracted silicosis or silicosis tuberculosis from exposure to dust have been waiting decades for compensation. Legal Aid South Africa and London law firm Leigh Day said in a press briefing yesterday that the test case involving 18 ex-miners, four of whom have since died, was at an advanced stage of litigation and although a trial date had not yet been set, it would be in 2012.
http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/test-case-against-anglo-sa-could-lead-to-suit-avalanche-1.1059848
SAfrican miners dying as suit wends through courts
Lawyers say miners are dying as they await the resolution of a suit seeking to hold Anglo American’s South African managers responsible for their lung disease.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9MNEH8O0.htm
Miner takes on big group
After working at a mine for 23 years, Wilson Ntabeni cannot walk for a kilometre without sitting down to take a break.
http://www.businesslive.co.za/Feeds/sowetan/2011/04/21/miner-takes-on-big-group
Anglo American Must Take Blame for Sick Miners, South African Group Says
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-20/anglo-american-must-take-blame-for-sick-miners-south-african-group-says.html
Former miner suing Anglo American speaks out on lung difficulties
http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=64368
‘Miners die waiting for compensation’
Lawyers helping miners suffering from lung diseases on Wednesday said people will continue dying while the legal battle drags on.
http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=64308
South African miners dying of lung disease as lawsuit enters 7th year, lawyers say
“A large percentage have died and many others are very sick,” said Richard Meeran of the London firm Leigh Day & Co., who is working with Johannesburg’s Legal Resource Center and Legal Aid South Africa in a case that began in 2004. It is expected to go to trial next year after a series of preliminary hearings.
http://www.cjbk.com/InternationalNews/Article.aspx?id=276624