Mineworkers who did risk work at qualifying gold mines (during the qualifying period, 12 March 1965 – 10 December 2019) (or if deceased, their dependants) are potentially eligible for compensation. Risk work is work where an employee may have been exposed to dust that could have caused silicosis or TB.

If a mineworker worked on any of these mines for more than 5 years they are entitled to a free medical benefit examination to determine whether they have silicosis or TB as defined in the trust deed. If they do, they will be eligible for compensation. The amount of compensation depends on the nature of the eligible claimant’s illness.

The amount will be reduced pro rata for any time that they worked at a non-qualifying mine (or at a qualifying mine during a non-qualifying period).

But if they worked at one or more qualifying mines during qualifying periods for 30 years or more they will be paid the full amount of compensation due for the relevant class of silicosis or TB as defined in the trust deed. Mineworkers who worked for less than 5 years at qualifying mines are also potentially eligible for compensation but if they want to claim they must have a benefit medical examination at their own expense (and will be reimbursed if it turns out that they do have silicosis or TB as defined in the trust deed).