Work as usual for mines

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
MINING operations in the country continue to export minerals despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ok Tedi Mining Ltd managing director and chief executive officer Peter Graham said: “No impact on export of OTML product at this time.”
Porgera Joint Venture, operator of Porgera gold mine in Enga, said: “Our mining operations (production/exports) have not been affected as yet and there are no major impacts to the operation at this stage.”
K92 Mining Inc, operator of the Kainantu gold mine in Eastern Highlands, has not been affected either.
Chief executive and managing director of K92 Mining John Lewins said there had been no significant impact on operations of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lewins also said the company had initiated a Covid-19 management plan to address major issues such as occupational health, hygiene and safety, business continuity, travel, supply chain, statutory compliance, communications, testing, risk assessment and contingency planning.
“In line with other mining operations in country, the company intends to maintain normal operations at the mine and associated facilities, but will be curtailing all non-essential works, including major capital projects and all field exploration activities,” he said.
“As a result, the commissioning of the plant expansion will be delayed until the current travel restrictions are lifted allowing the necessary external contractors to travel to site.
“The company is making no change to its production guidance at this time but will be reviewing this over the coming month as the situation in country develops.
“The company has the necessary complement of expatriate and PNG national workforce to maintain operations for the foreseeable future but will be evaluating developments on an ongoing basis.
“The work by external consultants to update the Kora–Kora North resource estimate is continuing and it is anticipated that this will be completed shortly.”