Lundin Mining has temporarily suspended construction and commissioning activities of its zinc expansion project at Neves Corvo, Portugal as a precaution against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The company indicated in a statement that the step was being taken in interest of its employees, local communities and contractors, especially since the latter included people traveling to the region from other countries, who could be carrying the virus.
The company said it was monitoring the repercussions of this suspension on the timeline and budget and will provide an update soon.
According to Marie Inkster, chief executive officer, Lundin Mining, the company had taken the step to also decrease the risk of disrupting operations at the mine due to the virus. She said Lundin could sustain the business during suspension because of its stable financial position and strong balance sheet.
All other operations, Inkster said, were being monitored to manage and respond to the spread of COVID-19 under the company’s Pandemic Response Plan. Lundin has advised all its offices to restrict travel within and outside their region to avoid exposure to the outbreak.