Since the advent of the Gold Rush towards the end of the 19th century, Mine health and safety has not been the main priority of mining houses in South Africa, whose main interest is making profit at whatever cost. And the situation is not any better now – the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) in its latest report laments low compliance by mining companies.
The enormous spotlight on the ongoing case where victims of silicosis have taken their ex-employers to court, should not be surprising at all. Its outcome will likely shape how seriously or not mining houses take silicosis and other occupational health matters.
Of course, deep-pocketed mines will not go down without putting up a good fight. By the time the verdict is ruled in their favour – most of the disease’s ailing victims would have succumbed to the deadly condition, without even a cent. Everyone, those with vested or passing interest, is looking at the silicosis case intently.
Sanjay Gupta writes for Transform SA from Chatsworth, Kwazulu-Natal.
