Developer implements safety measures

The National Business

GEOPACIFIC Resources Ltd, the operator of the Woodlark gold mine in Milne Bay, has implemented measures to protect staff and contractors.
The measures are:

  • a notice of suspension issued to HBS Machinery, the contractor engaged to undertake a civil works programme;
  • repatriation of all HBS staff from Woodlark Island to ensure safe passage to their home countries;
  • All HBS equipment to remain on site;
  • Rhodes projects, the contractor engaged to assist with the village relocation, will remain on site to continue the village relocation programme;
  • Rhodes programme will be carried out by personnel who have already been on Woodlark Island for a sustained period and will be supported by local labourers;
  • Rhodes will not be permitted to bring new personnel to Woodlark Island until it is considered safe to do so;
  • All Geopacific expatriate staff repatriated from Woodlark Island to Australia;
  • The registered manager currently on site for the foreseeable future is a Papua New Guinean national; and,
  • Staff based in the Perth office will comply with both domestic and international travel restrictions and where possible, work from home to ensure the company complies with social distancing guidelines.

Managing director Ron Heeks said: “The health and wellbeing of Geopacific’s employees, contractors and the broader communities in which we operate are of paramount importance to the board and senior management team.”
Heeks said the company would assess the situation.