Lands Minister reviews Chirano Gold Mine’s extensive coronavirus prevention measures

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, the Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, has commended precautionary measures taken by Chirano Gold Mines Ltd. as the company works to help protect employees and local communities from COVID-19.

The Asomah-Cheremeh paid a working visit to the mine to review the proactive actions and protocols put in place to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

While mining workers are exempt from the lockdown announced by government, Chirano has continued to implement numerous measures and has taken extra steps to continue safe operations at the mine.

For example, staff who have the capacity to work from home have been doing so, and those whose presence is required on-site are restricted to the catchment area of the mine.

Chirano has also put in place medical screening for all persons visiting the site, and the temperatures of all workers are checked before entering the site. Hand sanitizers have been placed at vantage points at multiple locations at the mine, while extensive social distancing practices are enforced.

To protect the catchment community, the mine has implemented sanitization programs in immediate local communities, including homes and markets, and has rolled out a public health awareness program to educate residents and employees on proper hygienic practices to help stop the spread of the virus.

The Minister of Lands and Natural resources, who went through thorough medical screening with his staff before the visit, noted that the measures taken can substantially contribute to efforts to help stop the spread of the virus both at the mine and at immediately surrounding communities.


Chirano has disinfected and sanitized local communities to help prevent the spread of coronavirus

The Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh also noted that Chirano has rigorous preparedness plans in place to contain and manage a possible positive COVID-19 test at site, in accordance with protocols of government and health authorities.

Chirano has established an isolation center and equipped it with coronavirus test kits, personal protective equipment and other necessary medical supplies.

The Minister said he had been mandated to inspect and assess the measures being put in place by mining companies in the country to protect employees and noted that the preventative actions that Chirano is taking are best in class.


Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh inspecting a ward at the Chirano COVID_19 isolation centre

Vice President and General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines Ltd., Terence Watungwa assured the Minister that existing measures will be sustained and new ones will be rolled out to protect employees and local communities as the coronavirus situation evolves.