Mine taking actions to safeguard workers: MRA

MADANG-BASED miner Ramu NiCo, which employs the highest number of Chinese workers in Papua New Guinea has taken necessary actions to prevent the entry of Covid-19 into its operations, Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) says.
Managing director Jerry Garry said since the outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, MRA ensured that the Ramu Nico mine (Ramu MCC) had complied with all restrictions and requirements set forth by the State.
“Ramu MCC has demonstrated strong leadership by establishing stringent protocols for the prevention, detection and mitigation of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in all its facilities at the Basamuk processing plant and KBK mine as well as Madang and Port Moresby offices,” he said.
“To date, Ramu Nico (MCC) Management Ltd has reported no cases since the pandemic was first reported.
“The company has taken drastic measures to prevent its employees from being expose to the virus by immediately suspending the travel between China and PNG in January, which remain effective to date.
“Prior to the declaration of the state of emergency in the country, MRA in close consultation with the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum and the operating mines had developed stringent protocols for the prevention, detection and mitigation of the Covid-19 in the sector.
“MRA is closely monitoring all the operational mines on a daily basis to ensure that the mines are operating safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Furthermore, the mines have provided their (1) emergency management plans, in conjunction with (2) mine temporary shutdown or care and maintenance plans in the event of a sudden shutdown of mining operations forced upon by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“All operating mines are providing their daily report on Covid-19 to MRA.
“MRA has been working closely with the World Health Organisation who are assisting the Health Department in providing the invaluable support and advice from the National Covid-19 Operations Centre.
“MRA is also pleased to report its effort to track outside of PNG the Papua New Guinean Covid-19 positive mine worker in Laos and obtain the critical lead information from our industry contacts in Laos.”