Following the announcement of the government of Australia’s Northern Territory related to a progressive flexibilization of most covid-19 restrictions in coming months, the regional minerals industry issued a statement saying it will continue to follow strict industry protocols and the highest health and hygiene standards in its operations.
Since the restrictions were put in place, miners across the NT have been operating close to or at capacity based on these protocols and management plans.
As of May 1, the Northern Territory has 27 confirmed cases of covid-19. The total for Australia is 6,762 cases
“While the industry welcomes the progressive removal of social restrictions, any changes to the industry’s robust health and safety approach will be made cautiously and in close collaboration with government,” the Minerals Council of Australia, acting as the spokesperson for its members in the NT, said in the media brief. “This means that This continued commitment to high standards will include exploration activities as well as operational sites.”
In the view of the MCA, following the Territory’s emergence from the covid-19 pandemic, the best possible regulatory structure needs to be put in place to support jobs and industry growth and provide certainty for future investment.
“This includes faster regulatory approvals, removal of red tape and an effective and predictable approach to environmental protection which balances the need to protect the unique Territory environment with creating sustainable local jobs and stronger communities,” the communiqué reads.