The Peruvian ministry of mines and energy, Minem, announced the guidelines for mining companies to resume activities, following months of a strict lockdown to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
As reported by SteelOrbis, the government said last week it would “gradually” resume mining and civil construction activities in May.
Minem said on May 9 only mining companies with a 5,000 mt/day production capacity can resume activities at “phase 1.” In addition, companies must also provide external lodging for workers and follow all sanitation procedures.
Peru was one of several Latin American countries, along with Argentina, to adopt a strict lockdown. Brazil-based integrated steelmaker Gerdau, which owns Siderperu, had halted steel production in Peru.
Peru’s key iron ore producer, Shougang Hierro Peru, also suspended activities during Covid-19.