"Mining giants flag virus rules to stay even as restrictions start to ease", 7 May 2020

Australian mining giant BHP has no immediate plans to ease social distancing protocols across its operations while Rio Tinto says the industry will have to coexist with the pandemic for some time yet, even as governments begin to gradually relax coronavirus restrictions.

...BHP chief executive Mike Henry said the company would maintain limits on staffing numbers at its work sites and...outlined plans to trial a new smartphone app to help prevent the spread of the virus among its workers.

"In some countries such as Australia we are seeing an easing of restrictions, while in others there tighter measures have been put in place," Mr Henry said.

"Broadly, we expect to retain reduced numbers at our work locations, split-shifts when possible at our offices and flexible working from home for some time to maintain social distancing and protect those at greater risk from COVID-19."

Rio Tinto...said its measures, including a five-layer screening at airports for fly-in, fly-out workers would continue "for as long as its required".

"As a company, we are going to have to learn to coexist with COVID-19 for an extended period of time," Rio Tinto chief executive Jean-Sebastien Jacques said. "Our measures have been effective ... and we will continue to implement measures."

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