COVID-19 hits Papua New Guinea’s mining sector
Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) last week announced the temporary closure of PNG’s largest mine, in Western Province, when seven cases were reported at its copper mine on one day.
The company has announced a 14-day suspension of operations. It will use the time to implement contact tracing, testing and isolation procedures with the purpose of limiting any further spread of the virus and resuming safe operations as soon as possible.
Ok Tedi’s Musje Werror. Credit: OTML
OTML’s Managing Director/CEO, Musje Werror, said in a statement that the state-owned company was well positioned to withstand the financial impact of the suspension, estimated to cost about K100 million.
‘Operations will resume when we are confident our workforce will not be infected with COVID-19 virus whilst going about their normal day to day work,’ Werror said.
Meanwhile, Newcrest Mining has reported a first case of COVID-19 at its Lihir Island gold mine in New Ireland Province, although the mine’s operations have reportedly not been affected.
‘Newcrest confirms that it is managing a COVID-19 case in its isolation and treatment facility at Lihir Island,’ said a company statement issued earlier today. ‘The individual, a PNG national, flew into Lihir from Port Moresby on 30 July and as per our protocol was isolated along with the other arrivals in a designated isolation camp while testing was conducted and the 14 day isolation period completed.’