Listed Apex Mining Co., Inc. (AMCI) is yet to operate its Maco Mine in Davao de Oro at full capacity after more than 20 percent of its workers in the area contracted COVID-19 in December last year.
Based on its report to Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), AMCI said that its mine and mill operations continue but still at reduced capacity.
It was on December 14, 2020 when the listed firm reported to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that 69 of its employees and contractors in the Maco mine were found to be COVID-19 positive despite the firm’s enforcement of safety protocols.
Following that report, 15 more people working in the mine contracted the virus.
“The employees who tested positive were turned over to the Local Government Unit (LGU) to be accommodated in their isolation facilities; together with the Medical Unit and with the assistance of the Barangay health workers, they are continuously being monitored to address immediate symptoms that may occur,” AMCI said in its report to MGB.
“Likewise, they are provided with supplies of medicines, food, and necessities,” it added.
Out of the first seven positive cases, six have already recovered while one is still in the hospital.
AMCI also said that all COVID-19 patients that have completed the 14-day quarantine period were re-swabbed last December 23, 2020, while those with negative results were medically cleared. The ones still positive continue with their isolation.
As this happens, AMCI already partially lifted the lockdown of the mine’s Polyplex Dormitory and the Senior Staff house under strict regulation on adherence to health and safety protocols.
“The offices of the Support Services were partially opened to cater to urgent and necessary services, Finance/Accounting, Human Resources, and purchasing but under close supervision of the safety department to ensure health protocols. Others are on work from home status and the rest were advised to stay home until recalled,” AMCI said.
“Continuously coordinated with the government agencies for the implementation of measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” it added.