Mining industry doing well despite Covid-19, Garry says

By DALE LUMA
THE mining industry has done exceptionally well despite the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, says Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) managing director Jerry Garry.
Garry told The National that apart from the shutdowns at Ok Tedi and Lihir over short periods of time, all the mines were operating normally.
“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we have operated exceptionally well,” Garry said.
“There have been shutdowns in Ok Tedi and Lihir over a very short period of time, but other than that all the mines are operating as normal.” In Eastern Highlands, K92 mine chief executive officer John Lewins said the mine operated as a “Covid-free bubble” where all workers were placed in quarantine for a week before entering the workplace.
“Personnel are tested when they go into quarantine and again when they leave to ensure that they are free from Covid-19 before entering the workplace.
“As a result, we have no Covid-19 on site.
“We also conduct random Covid-19 testing at the mine site to ensure that we remain Covid-free.”
The company also introduced enhanced occupational health and safety protocols to reduce the potential spread of the Covid-19 on site.
“K92 Mining and the industry have been working with the Government to ensure that the industry continues to operate as close to normal as possible, while protecting not only its own workers and contractors, but also the communities in which we operate in.”