BoLAMA welcomes R5bn silicosis settlement approval

According to BoLAMA coordinator Kitso Phiri, that settlement agreement marks an end to a legal battle that had been ongoing for almost 10 years. He said negotiations leading up to the settlement were long and complex, requiring a careful understanding of the mining industry climate, financial, legal and social factors in reaching a just and fair settlement. 

“The court also adopted a protective role during proceedings to ensure that the settlement was in the best interest of absent class members, particularly those from labour sending countries. The judge held that in considering the fairness, reasonableness and adequacy of the settlement, court had to determine whether the proposed settlement provides sufficient value to class members in return for the surrender of their rights to litigate. The settlement was in the eyes of the court made in the interest of mineworkers,” he said.