Lawyers representing gold miners suffering from the deadly lung disease silicosis said…they had filed a class action lawsuit application against the South African arm of global mining giant Anglo American… It is likely to be several months before a judge rules whether the case can proceed. Anglo American…no longer has gold mines in South Africa but the lawyers said its Johannesburg-based unit still had assets of around $15bn...[Plaintiffs] allege that Anglo American South Africa was the parent company of 11 gold mines up until 1998 and that it "negligently controlled and advised its mines with regard to prevention of dust exposure and silicosis"…"Overall Anglo American does not believe it is in any way liable for the silicosis claims and will defend those actions," [Anglo American] spokesperson…said…If successful, the suits could cost the mining firms billions of dollars, according to legal and industry experts…