Mining giant BHP continues work on the Jansen Potash Project site with modification to its operations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a March 26 news release, the company said that work on installing final liners in the mine shafts will proceed but with a reduced staff component. The focus will be on completing one shaft at a time to allow for the reduction in the number of workers. 

The company says its adaptations are in line with recommendations of provincial and federal authorities on the advice of best health practices. There are also changes to transportation arrangements, meetings, and on-site living to allow for increased social distance and heightened hygiene practices.

BHP will also address financial stresses for its contracted providers. An accelerated payment program for First Nations, Metis, and local community business will deliver around $3 million dollars more quickly to business partners. BHP is arranging a reduction in payment terms to seven days from the current 30 days and immediate payment of outstanding invoices.

Vice President Operations for BHP Potash Giles Hellyer said, “The health, safety and well-being of our personnel and our communities is our primary concern and we have been implementing measures to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in our offices and at the Jansen Potash Project site and nearby communities. In support of government requirements, and in keeping with our safety commitments, we are now reducing activity with fewer people on site. We also know this is a very difficult time for the local business community and we must look out for each other to manage through this together. That’s why we’ve brought in faster payment measures to help bridge the gap for our local business partners and support for communities during these unprecedented events.”

Revised payment arrangements will go into effect in the week of March 30.