Evolution Mining announce new safety measures for August shutdown

Published on 17 July 2020

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*** Media Release issued by Evolution Mining on 16 July 2020 *** 

Safety is a core value at Evolution, and it will remain a top priority for our Cowal Gold Operation during its scheduled maintenance works in August.

This follows the mine’s decision to scale back previous maintenance in April to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure during lockdown.

Cowal interim General Manager Greg Walker said restricting the number of contractors attending the site had been necessary, but regrettable, resulting in a reduced economic injection across local businesses.

However, with the appropriate health precautions and safety measures in place, August’s planned maintenance program would hopefully bring a much-needed financial boost to the West Wyalong community.

Mr Walker said Cowal had been making sure its day-to-day processes and business procedures were aligned with NSW Health directives and company policy.

"We have made the necessary adjustments to the way we operate to ensure the safety of our staff and of the local communities surrounding the mine, during this unprecedented and uncertain time," Mr Walker said.

"Across recent months, this has included a reduction in face-to-face interactions and visitors, and a focus on hygiene and physical distancing."

Mr Walker said there had been no recorded cases of COVID-19 across the site, or at any Evolution Mining operation.

"We plan to keep it that way," he said.

"Given the evolving situation in Victoria, we continue to align current and future decisions and planning with government recommendations, health orders and border closures, and with our own company risk assessments. As such, there will be no tradespeople travelling to the site from Victoria during the maintenance program.

"The health and safety of our staff and the wider community is our top priority.

"Every tradesman travelling to Cowal for the maintenance work, will undergo a health assessment prior to their arrival

"As per the NSW Public Health Order directives, any contractor or local worker who develops cold or flu-like symptoms will be immediately placed into isolation and tested."

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