Chilean state-owned copper miner Codelco has announced that it will update its precautionary measures against Covid-19.
The latest move is in response to a recent rise in infections in the South American nation.
Codelco, from this week, started to proactively reinforce its plans to prevent the spread of the virus at its operations, as well as surrounding communities.
The measures, which include a reduction in the workforce, come several months after Codelco restarted normal operations following the initial peak of the virus around May last year.
The company managed to maintain its output throughout the pandemic.
In a press statement, Codelco stated: “In community matters, the copper company is coordinating with the local authorities of the neighbouring communes to its work centres, located between the regions of Antofagasta and O’Higgins, new collaborations to curb infections.
The company is improving sanitation measures in public and high-traffic areas and delivering copper furniture and supplies. The metal has antimicrobial properties.
So far, Chile has reported more than 656,000 cases of the infection and 17,000 deaths from the disease, according to Reuters.
Globally, the total confirmed cases of Covid-19 have exceeded 92,482,000 with over 1,981,000 deaths and 51,122,000 recoveries.
Earlier this month, Codelco received approval from its board to spend $1.383bn for the overhaul of its Salvador mine, a combined open pit and underground copper mine.
Last month, Codelco reached a labour agreement ahead of schedule with the supervisors union at its Chuquicamata mine in northern Chile.
