Bloomberg reported that South Africa will resume an inquiry into manganese poisoning at a smelter operated by South Africa's second largest iron ore and manganese producer Assmang Ltd.

Ms Zolisa Sigabi a spokeswoman for the Pretoria based Department of Labor said that “We will be looking to see if there are enough grounds for prosecution.” She added that the inquiry is scheduled to begin on February 26 and end February 29.

Assmang had said on March 6 that at least five workers at the Cato Ridge Alloys smelter had contracted manganism, a disease that harms the central nervous systems of people exposed to manganese dust and fumes.

Cato Ridge is a venture with Mizushima Ferroalloys Co and Sumitomo Corp for producing manganese alloys used in steel.