Diversified mining and marketing company Glencore is continuing to engage with the authorities, labour unions and other stakeholders on steps to minimise the impact of Covid-19 on its operations.

The London- and Johannesburg-listed company stated last month that its goal was to operate only when it could keep its people safe and healthy, while safeguarding jobs and providing support for local communities and other key stakeholders, especially during this critical time.

Headed by CEO Ivan Glasenberg, Glencore launched the $25-million Glencore Community Support Fund in April to complement efforts by its local teams to provide the support communities need most at this time.

Glencore, which employs more than 160 000 people, produces and markets more than 60 commodities, and has operations on more than 150 sites across a 35-country footprint.

It provided an update on the impacts that have occurred at certain of its assets and reiterated its intention to provide updated guidance on 2020 production, key industrial division unit costs and capital expenditure, alongside its first quarter production report on April 30.

In South Africa, where government has extended its nationwide lockdown to April 30, Glencore stated in a media release to Engineering News & Mining Weekly that its ferroalloys operations and two of its coal mines – Middleburg and Graspan – were currently remaining on care and maintenance.

In Canada, the Quebec government had extended the order for all nonessential businesses to remain closed until May 4, but had classified mining as an essential activity with effect from April 15. Accordingly, Glencore’s Raglan nickel mine and its Matagami zinc operation were analysing options to restart before May 4.

In Colombia, the initial 19-day countrywide quarantine from March 25 had been extended to April 27 and its Prodeco mining operations remained on care and maintenance, while the port continued to operate.

In Peru, its independently managed 33.75%-held Antamina joint venture operation halted operations and demobilised the workforce for a likely period of two weeks. During suspension of operations, the camp would be thoroughly disinfected and enhanced medical screening, transport and physical distancing protocols put in place, in accordance with Peruvian guidelines.

In Zambia, Glencore was currently in discussions on the way forward with government, following the Mopani copper mine’s recent announcement on the transitioning of its mining operations to care and maintenance.

At offices and industrial assets that were continuing to operate, additional precautionary measures to protect employees were continuing and steps were being taken to protect local communities, as appropriate.

“Our local teams are working closely with governments, health agencies and other key responders to identify their needs to provide the most effective response possible,” the company stated.

Glencore’s customers are industrial consumers, such as those in the automotive, steel, power generation, battery manufacturing and oil sectors.

The company also provides financing, logistics and other services for producers and consumers of commodities.