Fortuna provides update on Caylloma Mine

On 15 March 2020, the government of Peru introduced a series of measures to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 which included a declaration of a 15-day period of mandatory national ‘social isolation,’ which has been subsequently extended to 10 May 2020.

During this period, the company has been working under the regulatory framework issued by the Ministerio de Energía y Minas (MINEM) and the Ministerio del Interior (MININTER), which allows mines to operate during this period with essential personnel.

The well-being of the company’s personnel is its top priority. It has prepared and implemented health and safety protocols to safeguard the health and safety of personnel and the local communities where it operates. The Caylloma mine is located approximately 14 km from the nearest town of Caylloma.

These protocols, which have been approved by the Ministerio de Salud, include among others:

• Medical screening: Health checks and serological testing for COVID-19 before travelling to and on arrival at the mine site. Completing a health questionnaire and taking temperatures before entering the mine site and regularly once on site.
• Essential personnel: All non-essential work has been suspended. The critical work is carried out by 40% of the regular workforce.
• Personal protective equipment: Use of personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves while travelling to and from the mine site and while at the mine site.
• Travel: Travel to and from the mine site is in disinfected vehicles with 50% occupancy.
• Social distancing measures: Shift times are staggered to minimise the gathering of personnel. Shifts have a reduced number of personnel. Canteens and offices have a reduced number of chairs and tables.
• Site and camp hygiene: Increased cleaning and disinfection of common areas, housing quarters and offices. Regular hand washing and wiping down of equipment and work areas after use.

Fortuna continues to test all personnel at the site, and through testing has identified positive results for COVID-19 in six individuals, all of whom remain asymptomatic. Each positive case has been handled according to its demanding protocols. All actions taken have been coordinated with the health authorities and informed of in a timely manner.

Managers at the mine site have kept all personnel informed of the positive tests. The company has requested personnel to be vigilant in self-monitoring for signs of symptoms.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/27042020/fortuna-provides-update-on-caylloma-mine/