- Perseus Mining (PRU) is preparing its West African mines for a potential outbreak of the novel coronavirus
- As case numbers in the region worsen, the company says it is prepared to handle the pandemic’s impact after coming through the 2014 Ebola crisis
- The company currently operates in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, which have collectively reported around 50 confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date
- The company was quick to point out that no confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported at either of its African mining operations
- Today, Perseus also unveiled an updated life of mine plan for its Edikan gold mine
- The mine’s estimated gold production is now 95 per cent higher than that indicated in the previous life of mine plan
- Perseus Mining (PRU) is up 3.59 per cent at market close, with shares trading for $1.01 each
Perseus Mining (PRU) is yet to be materially affected by COVID-19, but is still preparing its West African mining operations as case number rise.
The company was quick to point out that no confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported either of its Africa-based mining operations.
Perseus currently operates Edikas and Sissingué gold mines in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The company is presently developing the Yaouré mine in West Africa. Perseus claims that neither gold production nor development schedules have been impacted thus far.
However, if the situation worsens, the company hopes to draw on its experience during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2014.
Senior management, which were integral during the previous crisis, are reimplementing support and management systems developed at the time.
Recent figures suggest that case numbers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire remain relatively low, at around 50 confirmed cases collectively.
However, COVID-19’s rapid infection rate and the pressure it places on healthcare systems could cause national governments to take drastic actions if case numbers continue to worsen.
Earlier today, South Africa went into lockdown as COVID-19 cases surpassed one thousand. This has caused a number of mining operations to slow or halt.
CEO and Managing Director of Perseus Mining, Jeff Quartermaine, believes the company’s focus should be on safety during the crisis.
“As many have already stated, the coronavirus pandemic that has spread around the world in recent times presents enormous challenges for everyone.
“Perseus is certainly not exempt from this and with employees located in Australia and in two countries in Africa we are keenly aware of our responsibilities to all our stakeholders in this difficult time,” he said.
Today, Perseus also unveiled an updated life of mine plan for its Edikan gold mine.
The mine’s estimated gold production is now 95 per cent higher than that indicated in the previous life of mine plan.
Perseus Mining (PRU) is up 3.59 per cent at market close, with shares trading for $1.01 each.