Silicosis Compensation Reaches R2 Billion as Tshiamiso Trust Supports Miners and Families

The Tshiamiso Trust has officially disbursed over R2 billion in compensation to former and current mineworkers, as well as their dependents, affected by silicosis and work-related tuberculosis (TB). This milestone underscores a significant step in providing long-awaited financial relief to thousands impacted by occupational lung diseases in South Africa’s mining sector.

Background: The 2018 Class Action Settlement

The Tshiamiso Trust was established following a landmark 2018 class action settlement involving six major mining companies:

• African Rainbow Minerals
• Anglo American SA
• AngloGold Ashanti
• Gold Fields
• Harmony Gold
• Sibanye-Stillwater

These companies, under the Occupational Lung Disease Working Group, agreed to compensate miners who developed silicosis or TB due to hazardous working conditions. The Trust is responsible for administering these payments and ensuring that claimants receive their rightful benefits.

Key Developments in the Compensation Process

The Occupational Lung Disease Working Group has praised the progress made, highlighting the importance of collaboration in overcoming challenges that once seemed insurmountable.

Several recent improvements have streamlined the claims process and increased accessibility for affected miners and their families:

Extended Appeal Period: Claimants now have 120 days (previously 30) to appeal ineligibility decisions.
Longer Testing Window: The timeframe for lung function tests related to TB impairments has been extended from 18 months to 24 months post-treatment.
Adjusted Benefit Payments: Compensation amounts now reflect Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments under the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (ODMWA).
Simplified Documentation: The Trust has relaxed requirements for proving silicosis or TB as primary causes of death, ensuring more families can access compensation.

Critical Support from MBOD and Minerals Council

The Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases (MBOD) has played a crucial role in facilitating compensation claims by providing access to essential records, including medical histories and employment details. Without these records, many former miners might have struggled to claim their benefits.

Additionally, the Minerals Council of South Africa has funded the digitisation of MBOD files over the years. This initiative has expanded the Trust’s database, allowing more claimants to be identified and assisted.

What This Means for Mineworkers and Their Families

The Tshiamiso Trust’s R2 billion payout is a major victory for South African miners and their families who have suffered due to occupational exposure to silica dust and TB. Many beneficiaries were previously unaware of their entitlements but can now receive much-needed financial relief.

For miners who have not yet claimed their benefits, the updated database and extended application periods offer renewed opportunities to seek compensation.

How to Claim Compensation

Eligible mineworkers and dependents can apply for compensation through the Tshiamiso Trust. Claimants are encouraged to check their eligibility and submit necessary medical and employment documents.

For more information, visit the Tshiamiso Trust website or contact their offices for assistance.

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