Teck Resources (TSE:TECK.B) responded on Monday to media reports of concerns workers may be at risk of contracting covid-19 at active coal operations open in the east Kootenay region of British Columbia.
According to The Globe and Mail, a local resident wrote a letter to Teck’s management and its board on April 5, alleging that the conditions inside the mine have “likely enabled the spread of covid-19 amongst its employees and contractors, their families, and the community at large.”
The Globe and Mail reported that the resident said she had previously tried to raise these concerns with Teck’s senior management, but mining operations continued.
In an email to MINING.COM, Doug Brown, Teck’s director of public relations said the public health authority in the region has reviewed Teck’s protocols and conducted an on-site audit which confirmed that Teck has put the recommendations from the Province in place.
The BC health authority is satisfied that Teck has put the recommendations from the Province in place and have strong protocols in place
“There have been no covid-19 cases at our mine sites to date, and just this week the Interior Health Authority reviewed Teck’s protocols and conducted an on-site audit,” Robin Sheremeta, Teck’s senior vice president, coal, and Stephen Hunt, director, United Steelworkers, District 3 said in a letter to editors.
Sheremeta and Hunt said the audit confirmed the health authority is “satisfied that Teck has put the recommendations from the Province in place and have strong protocols in place with regards to covid-19.”
While many companies have had to lay off tens of thousands of workers, Teck said it is working to have the necessary precautions in place – following guidance from government and public health agencies – to maintain employment for thousands of Canadians.