COVID-19

BHP employees test positive for COVID-19

Major implements further measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Staff reporter
A BHP worker getting a temperature check before boarding a flight

A BHP worker getting a temperature check before boarding a flight

Mining Magazine is making some of its most important coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic freely available to readers. For more coverage, please see our COVID-19 hub. To subscribe to Mining Magazine, click here.

The company did not disclose the specific number or locations of those diagnosed with coronavirus.

"All of the individuals who tested positive followed the required protocols of self-isolating and reporting, to avoid putting their colleagues at risk," the company said today.

"There has not been any broader transmission from these cases to other workers, or any impact on sites or operations."

BHP said it had procedures in place should an employee become unwell with COVID-19 symptoms, ensuring isolation, treatment and contact tracing.

"Our overriding priority remains to help reduce the risk of transmission and help protect our people and communities," CEO Mike Henry said.

"We are absolutely committed to playing our part in the collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic."

BHP is reinforcing social distancing and hygiene measures, while implementing additional measures for employees at a higher risk of coronavirus, such as those with underlying health conditions.

Non-residential workers at site are no longer allowed to visit local townships or community facilities and in some locations, BHP has introduced a personal shopper service that camp residents can use to source supplies.

"The resources industry is one of the few industries that can provide regional jobs, products to customers and payments to suppliers to help underpin continued economic activity," Henry said.

"We are also working hard to directly support the mental health and resilience of our people and communities, regional health and community services, and the vulnerable in our community as we manage through this difficult period.

"I am proud of the way our people are adapting to new ways of working, including new shift patterns and rosters to reduce movements, social distancing, hygiene protocols and regular health screenings.

"Our customers, suppliers and governments have been instrumental in helping us maintain safe production and operational continuity; we thank them for their support and will continue to work closely with them."

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Magazine Intelligence team.

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production