Background

In 2014, South African gold companies agreed that a more collaborative approach was needed to address issues relating to compensation for occupational lung disease (OLD). As a result, the mining industry Working Group on OLD was established, initially representing five companies and now extended to six (African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony and Sibanye-Stillwater).

The industry values the health and wellbeing of all our employees. Our concern and care extends to all our former employees, especially to those who may have developed OLD as a result of their time working in the industry. The mining industry has continued to develop and improve measures to:

• prevent exposure to occupational hazards, such as dust;
• care for and treat employees who contract occupational illnesses; and
• facilitate access to compensation for those who have contracted occupational illnesses.

By working together with all stakeholders – including our employees and unions, the regulators, medical professionals and others – we want to make sure that the industry does all it reasonably can for all former and current employees.

There are three fundamental pillars in the Working Group companies’ approach:

1. Prevention
2. Treatment
3. Compensation

The Working Group is focused on the latter issue.

CEOs speak out – towards a comprehensive and sustainable solution Video