The class action is against global mining company South32.
The Catholic Bishops and the Richard Spoor attorneys are launching a class-action lawsuit against South African coal mining companies to help sick miners suffering from lung disease.
Filed by Richard Spoor in the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Local Division, the application seeks recourse for current and former coal miners, as well as dependents of deceased workers who contracted the illness.under its Justice and Peace Commission. In 2014 and 2015, some of the coal mine workers in Mpumalanga and Limpopo approached the Church seeking assistance in their quest for justice against powerful mining companies.
Despite knowing the risks to coal miners, members of the coal mining industry failed to provide their workers with adequate training, equipment, and a safe working environment, the litigation alleges.