JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Aim- and TSX-listed Aureus Mining on Friday confirmed that there had, to date, not been any reported or suspected cases of Ebola across its operations or anywhere near where the company operated.

Aureus said construction at its New Liberty gold mine, in Liberia, continued; however, nonessential staff, including the exploration team, had been granted leave.

“Aureus has established and implemented the appropriate precautionary measures and contingency plans to ensure the company, its employees, contractors and visitors are not placed under unnecessary risks,” the company said.

Such precautionary measures included access control to Aureus’ operations, temperature screening, education and collaboration with local villages and village elders, detailed and regular communication with employees, contractors and visitors, heightened medical provisions and medical assistance at the New Liberty medical clinic, as well as travel restrictions.

The company was also working closely with the government of Liberia and supporting their proactive actions to limit the impact of Ebola. 

“The government is addressing the issue as a matter of the utmost importance and has assigned a devoted task force to address and implement key measures. Aureus is working with this task force both at national and local levels, combining our efforts to increase education on the disease,” the company pointed out.

Aureus stated that it would continue to monitor the situation closely.

“All efforts are being made to ensure that the New Liberty project remains on track and to minimise the impact of the Ebola situation, not only on New Liberty but also on the country and the local communities we operate in,” it noted.

Aside from New Liberty, the company also held additional licences in Liberia and exploration permits in Cameroon.