Endeavour Confirms First Case of Coronavirus at a Mine Site in Africa
Gold producer Endeavor Mining said Monday that an employee of its Houndé mine in Burkina Faso tested positive for coronavirus and was quarantined on Saturday, but that mining and exploration activities were not interrupted.
The employee had mild symptoms hours after arriving from the UK, and the few people in contact with the employee were identified and quarantined.
With no symptoms on arrival and the company’s mandatory health screening, Endeavor reinforced its prevention efforts by introducing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for all employees or contractors arriving in Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso.
“Endeavor has not identified any of its production or operations in any of its mines or exploration activities,” the company said.
Endeavor also said it has sufficient supplies and equipment, and suppliers have confirmed that orders placed and forecast are intact.
The first confirmed case of the corona virus at a mine site in Africa highlights the challenges that mining companies face in managing a large number of employees who work together in a confined space as the virus spreads across the continent.
Burkina Faso reported its first two cases of coronavirus on March 9, and most recently had 15 cases of the virus.
Endeavor mining stocks fell 20.3% in early trade as stocks fell worldwide in a broad sellout.