OceanaGold Recommenced NZ Gold Mine Operations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): OceanaGold announced that its Macraes and Waihi gold mines in New Zealand have resumed operations. This follows the downgrade of the country's COVID-19 Alert Level from Level Four to Level Three in all of the country except Auckland and Northland. The company had initiated temporary suspension of mining and other activities in the NZ mines at 11.59 pm Tuesday, August 16.

According to company press release, the mine production, processing and exploration activities at the Macraes and Waihi mines will be resumed by strictly adhering to all public health protocols stipulated by the administration, including enhanced PPE, social distancing, staggered shifts etc.

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The two-week shutdown of mine operations coupled with the restricted operations on account of Covid-19 protocols will likely lead to reduction in production from each of the affected mines by around 4,000 to 5,000 ounces of gold during 2021.

Michael Holmes, President and CEO, OceanaGold stated that the company is pleased with the restart of operations at Macraes and Waihi following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The company has ensured strict health and safety protocols in place at its mines so as to safeguard the wellbeing of its workforce. Furthermore, it will continue to work in partnership with the government to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, he added.