Two employees at South Africa’s Harmony Gold Mining Company’s Kalgold gold mine, in the North West of that country, have tested positive for Covid-19.
The individuals, both of whom were asymptomatic, were identified as positive through the company’s testing process, which is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Health.
Both individuals have been isolated and are receiving medical care and the process of tracing possible contacts is underway, with all of those identified either self-quarantining or quarantining at a company facility for 14 days.
In a statement on May 20, Harmony confirmed that its routine screening and testing at the mine would continue in line with its Covid-19 Standard Operating Procedure.
The majority of Kalgold’s 600 employees have been tested for the virus so far.
Mining at Kalgold has largely been suspended, but the plant continues to operate and employees who have tested negative for Covid-19 have returned to work.
Kalgold’s production contributes 3% of Harmony’s overall production.
In compliance with regulation and/or agreement, the departments of Health and Minerals Resources and Energy, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and Minerals Council South Africa have been informed.
Mining Weekly