Mine ClosuresI was reading somewhere that some some investors were afraid that there would be mine closures because of the coronavirus. I thought to myself that this is ridiculous to think that because most mines are in remote locations. Well, when the government orders non-essential businesses to shut down, this might include mines. The following is a press release is from Monument Mining which I own some shares.
The same thing can happen to copper producers. Nothing is ridiculous anymore. Anything can happen. This would be a pretty big shock to the supply of copper.
Monument to follow Movement Control Order in Malaysia due to Covid-19 Virus
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monument Mining Limited (TSX-V: MMY and FSE: D7Q1) (“Monument” or the “Company”) announces that the Company will follow the Movement Control Order (the Order”) issued by the Malaysian government to suspend operations at its Selinsing Gold Mine from March 18th to March 31st 2020 (the “Movement Control Period”) in Pahang State, Malaysia.
CEO and President Cathy Zhai said: “Monument is in full compliance with the Order which puts employee’s wellbeing as first priority. It has also implemented a business sustaining plan to ensure the operation would be back on track immediately once the ban of mining activities is lifted. We will work together with all of our stakeholders to overcome this difficult period.”
On March 17, 2020 the Company received notice from the Mineral and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG) for all mining leaseholders to adjourn mining activities in the State of Pahang, to follow-up the Movement Control Order (the “Order”), as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Malaysian Prime Minister has given a speech to the Nation on March 16, which, among others, has ordered for “closure of all government and private premises except those involved in essential services (water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, post, transportation, irrigation, oil, gas fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking, health, pharmacy, fire prevention, prisons, ports, airports, security, defence, cleaning, food supply & retail)”. The Order is based on Control and Prevention of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Police Act 1967.
In response, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (“FMM”) has issued a press release, stated that FMM is in full support of the need to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, but the move to close the manufacturing sector under the Movement Control Order is very drastic; it urges the government to lift the ban immediately.
Monument has called for immediate response overnight in compliant with the Order, and taken immediate action to suspend operations orderly in addition to its Emergency Plan that has already been in place to ensure all employees are protected at the mine site during the pandemic period. In the meantime, security and environmental monitoring control that must be in place to prevent environmental pollution, wherever applicable under the Movement Control Order are maintained. Certain operation functions will be carried out as well on a best effort basis through management and staff working from home. The management will implement clear communication with staff so that the working arrangement is effectively scheduled for deliveries during the Movement Control Order period.
As a leading edge mining company in Malaysia, Monument has written to the government to urge an immediate relief from suspension of the mining operations under its closely monitored prevention protocols that is already in place.