Australian mining giant BHP has no immediate plans to ease social distancing protocols across its operations while Rio Tinto says the industry will have to coexist with the pandemic for some time yet, even as governments begin to gradually relax coronavirus restrictions.
Following an increase in infections across its copper sites in Chile, BHP chief executive Mike Henry said the company would maintain limits on staffing numbers at its work sites and on Thursday outlined plans to trial a new smartphone app to help prevent the spread of the virus among its workers.
“In some countries such as Australia we are seeing an easing of restrictions, while in others there tighter measures have been put in place,” Mr Henry said.
“Broadly, we expect to retain reduced numbers at our work locations, split-shifts when possible at our offices and flexible working from home for some time to maintain social distancing and protect those at greater risk from COVID-19.”
Rio Tinto, the nation’s second biggest minster, said its measures, including a five-layer screening at airports for fly-in, fly-out workers would continue “for as long as its required”.
“As a company, we are going to have to learn to coexist with COVID-19 for an extended period of time,” Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said. “Our measures have been effective … and we will continue to implement measures.”
In response to a small increase in infections at BHP’s Chilean mines, Mr Henry said the miner had quickly enacted response plans and evacuated all workers suspected of having the virus for testing, isolation and medical care. As well as examining the potential to strengthen prevention measures further, BHP will trial a new contact tracing app at its Chilean operations from next week to act as an “additional safeguard”.
Developed by BHP’s technology and health and safety teams, the app is designed to identify the movements of workers who become infected so the company can immediately sanitise places they have been. If successful, the app will be deployed across BHP’s mining and petroleum operations.
During the pandemic, miners including BHP and Rio Tinto have also been investing in initiatives to assist communities and essential services cope with the strain of coronavirus.
Rio Tinto, which has committed $US25 million ($38 million) to coronavirus-related community projects globally, said funding initiatives in Australia included a $1.25 million investment in the Queensland Royal Flying Doctor Service announced this week.
Mr Jacques said further funding initiatives would include supplying masks and protective gear to health professionals, ventilation units, and education and literacy programs “as remote learning becomes the norm”.
“As we look ahead, our focus will be on those most in need, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, victims of family and domestic violence, and those without access to essential services and supplies,” Mr Jacques said.
BHP this week said it had allocated half of its $25 million “Vital Resources Fund” to 46 projects including healthcare, essential services and education in regional communities surrounding its operations.
“This funding is being delivered to the people and communities who need it the most, through the organisations and initiatives who are working hard to provide vital support through this difficult time,” BHP’s acting Australian operations president Edgar Basto said.
Fonte: The Sidney Morning Herald
