The Justice and Peace Commission of the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) has launched “a class action against global mining company Anglo American Group.”

In a statement shared with the SACBC communications office, the Director of the Justice and Peace Commission says the “application for certification of a class action seeks recourse for current and former coal miners, as well as dependents of deceased workers who contracted,” pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“The Anglo-American Group’s policy places an emphasis on accountability, ensuring that any breaches are met with appropriate actions in line with both Group and local laws,” says Fr Stan Muyebe in the Tuesday, October 24 statement.

He goes on to say, “The global mining company should act on its promise to ensure the rights of its former employees are restored and that they get justice and compensation in this lifetime for the damages caused to their health while working in these mines.”