Glencore said they have introduced a number of additional precautionary measures against COVID-19 across their 35-country global operation which includes Mount Isa Mines and Ernest Henry Mining.
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In an update Friday to the London Stock Exchange, Glencore said they were asking employees to stay at home if they feel unwell and to seek medical advice and self-quarantine if they have symptoms consistent with those of COVID-19.
They said they were also implementing enhanced hygiene and cleaning measures, restricting all non-essential travel, introducing flexible working, including rotational and remote working, where necessary and possible and had a Health Advisory channel for their people to seek advice and support.
Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg said their first priority was the health and wellbeing of all of our people and the broader community.
"We have formulated our response in partnership with our expert medical advisors, taking into account advice from governments across the countries where we operate, and global bodies such as the World Health Organisation," Mr Glassenberg said.
"Through our business continuity planning, we aim to minimise disruption so we can continue to source and deliver the products that our customers need."
Mr Glassenberg said to date, there have been no material disruptions at their assets or in their supply chain and their profit guidance was not yet changed.
"In light of various restrictions being imposed by Governments in different countries, we have to date seen some impact on certain smaller operations," he said.
Glencore had $10bn in available committed undrawn credit facilities and cash at the end of 2019 which has increased since the start of the year due to lower working capital funding requirements due to lower commodity prices and a higher US dollar.
There has been no visible impact to the North West Queensland business as yet with no cases of COVID-19 in the region.
Two Glencore employees at Hails Creek coal operation were tested negative to COVID-19 two weeks ago.
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