The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has said it was implementing strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols to keep sites operating in Victoria.
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The Stawell Gold Mines, which engages about 140 workers, has remained operational in the face of the pandemic with the Australian mining sector declared an essential industry.
MCA's Victorian executive director James Sorahan said the overriding priority for the industry was "protecting the health, safety and livelihoods of workers, contractors and communities."
"The gold mining industry employs many locals in Western Victoria, and a number of local businesses supply mining," Mr Sorahan said.
"The industry protocols will help keep local jobs while protecting the workforce and the community."
According to the MCA, minerals companies will work with health officials, resources regulators, law enforcement, local government and others to ensure that all official advice and restrictions are observed across the supply chain.
Among a range of measures, workers will be required to declare that they have been fit and well for the last seven days and that they haven't been in contact with infected persons.
As of Monday, March 30, the Northern Grampians Shire had recorded three cases of COVID-19.
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