The Compensation Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD) is established in terms of the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act (No. 78 of 1973). It compensates miners and ex-miners (or their estate) for impairment of lungs or respiratory organs. In particular, the CCOD's function includes: . Administering the Mines and Works Compensation Fund to compensate ex- miners disabled by occupational lung disease; . Determining and recovering levies from controlled mines and works; . Awarding benefits to miners and ex-miners suffering from occupational lung related diseases; and . Investing levies collected and interest earned from investments.