Industry working with government to contain coronavirus

THE extractive industry has preparedness plans in place and is working to ensure that it can endure this difficult period with minimal disruptions as possible to production in existing projects.
Papua New Guinea Chamber of Mines and Petroleum president Gerea Aopi said the chamber along with other peak business bodies were working closely with the Government to address impacts of Covid-19 on the sustainability of business in the country, including ongoing operations of producing mines and petroleum facilities.
“We liaise regularly with the state of emergency (SOE) Controller, his deputy and ministers for health and police at National Covid-19 Operation Centre,” he said.
“The chamber congratulates the government of PNG.
“They have developed a strong strategic response plan.
“It has a targeted approach and it is designed, understanding the limited capacity and resources of our health sector and our general infrastructure.
“The chamber is mindful of the significant economic importance of the industry and understands the impact coronavirus is having on resource projects and exploration.
“The industries have world-class preparedness plans and programmes, including benchmarking against WHO (World Health Organisation) standards to manage the spread and impact of the Covid-19 in our project areas, and are actively monitoring and evaluating the situation.
“The industry also contributes to a wide range of development programmes in host communities and provinces by investing in infrastructure, health and education.”