PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Iron-ore major Fortescue Metals on Monday said that it would continue to operate its mine sites in the Pilbara, despite the Western Australian government implementing strict border controls that would require all new inter-state arrivals to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.
“Fortescue has been working closely with industry and government on the impact of travel restrictions on the resources sector. We commend the Western Australian state government on their decisive action to contain the spread of Covid-19 in our community,” said Fortescue CEO Elizabeth Gaines.
She noted that while the majority of the company’s workforce was Western Australia-based, the company would work with its non-resident workforce to ensure that site critical functions were not impacted, including dedicated charter flights direct from the East Coast to the operational sites.
Meanwhile, iron-ore shipments from Port Hedland will continue, along with mining and processing activities, with Fortescue maintaining its full year production guidance.
“We will work proactively with our Fortescue team members to ensure that we have resources available and will also work with our contracting partners to ensure that our major projects continue in line with project schedules,” Gaines said.