The Rainy River mine in Ontario, Canada, has begun a systematic ramp-up of operations following the completion of a voluntary 14-day suspension to adhere to provincial and federal COVID-19 guidelines related to out-of-country travel that impacted a significant portion of the local workforce. Operations will steadily ramp up over the coming weeks with the overarching priority of providing the safest possible environment for employees, New Gold said. Mine management will continue to work with surrounding indigenous and local communities to implement and coordinate actions that will reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19, it said.
New Gold said it will initially use the local workforce during the progressive ramp-up of operations. This initial phase will be followed by the gradual reintroduction of the rotational workforce. To ensure the safety of its workforce and the local communities, the company has implemented extra measures in accordance with the recommendations of the Ontario Department of Public Health that will be overseen by the on-site nurse practitioner.
During the 14-day suspension, a minimum crew was retained to monitor and maintain essential activities, ensure there was no impact on the environment, and fully implement sanitization practices throughout the mine site, camp, and mobile and fixed equipment to ensure a safe working environment for our employees. During this period, the team also advanced preventative maintenance work at the mill facility, stockpiled ore for the ramp-up period, supplied NAG material for the tailings management area, and monitored water levels.
