5 June
According to Minerals Council South Africa, the country’s mining industry is in talks with the government to allow the return of foreign mine workers to work. So far, the industry had requested the return of around 9,500 mine workers, mostly from Mozambique and Lesotho, Reuters reported. The return of these employees was requested under strict conditions. These include screening of the requested employees before they leave their home countries and an additional 14-day quarantine upon arrival in South Africa.
Canadian miner Telson Mining has resumed operations at its Campo Morado underground multi-metal mine in Guerrero, Mexico. Telson noted that underground mining and processing activities at the mine re-commenced on 3 June. The resumption follows the temporary closure of the mine in April this year as a result of government-mandated restrictions put in place to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Gold mining company AngloGold Ashanti is looking to gradually ramp-up operations at its Mponeng mine in South Africa, and is aiming to operate the mine at 50% capacity. Mining activities at Mponeng, the world’s deepest operating mine, were suspended for more than a week after a total of 196 Covid-19 cases were identified at the site.
The Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) has announced guidelines to limit the spread of Covid-19 amongst employees in the mining industry and any other person who they come into contact with. These guidelines, which were developed after consulting with stakeholders, align with the existing Covid-19 measures put in place by the Rwanda government.
