Anglo American’s mines will remain online—at least for the time being—and the company does not expect disruptions to its production or supply chain.
The company is rescheduling operational work in Chile to minimize dense masses of workers, but it doesn’t anticipate its production volumes and metal and mineral deliveries to be affected.
The company announced in a statement, it has already adopted measures to combat COVID-19’s spread, including remote working and segregation policies in most countries; restricting new and existing international business travel; restricting non-essential site visits; social distancing; temperature screening; enhanced health benefits, and more.
Mark Cutifani, Anglo American’s chief executive, said much of the company’s work cannot be done remotely because of the nature of the business, but the company is doing its best to minimize the chances of the virus spreading. Moreover, given how quickly the pandemic can change conditions, the miner has established “escalation plans” to accommodate any changes necessary to combat continued spread.
Meanwhile, BHP has barred employees from entering its Chilean mine operations for 15 days and will assume the losses itself. In a statement, the company said none of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, and that it has implemented these measures to ensure none do.
The company previously authorized remote working for employees who don’t have critical operational roles and who belong to high-risk groups, including people who are over 65 or pregnant.