Katoro Gold has resolved to halt its operations on joint venture gold dams in response to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. According to the Executive Chairman, Louis Coetzee, in this unprecedented time, it is the priority and responsibility of the company to ensure the safety of its workforce.
The company noted that, the safety and well-being of Katoro’s employees and contractors is the highest priority for the Company at this time. Accordingly, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, and in line with government guidelines, a business continuity programme has been put in place. This has resulted in all non-essential travel being cancelled and all employees being asked to work from home. Discussions and work in respect of the JV gold project remain ongoing, to the extent that these can be advanced given prevailing restrictions. Any activity on site will however be halted.
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Working remotely
“Accordingly, we are taking measures to ensure we limit travel and movement and are following the guidance of the authorities in the areas we operate. This is naturally a rapidly evolving situation, which we continue to monitor, and whilst certain activity has to be temporarily halted, we are working remotely to progress operations and discussions to ensure that we protect and advance the long-term value of our Company and the interests of our stakeholders,” added the Executive Chairman.
He further added that the company will continue to provide updates on its business and operations as necessary.
The South African Government has announced that the National Coronavirus Command Council has decided to enforce a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, with effect from midnight on 26 March 2020. Furthermore, the Government of Tanzania has instituted travel restrictions, effective 23 March 2020.
