COVID-19

Mexico mines heed lockdown orders

As lockdown of non-essential services in Mexico becomes the new, albeit temporary, normal, more miners have announced their ramp-down plans across the country

 First Majestic is one of many operators in Mexico that have suspended operations by government order

First Majestic is one of many operators in Mexico that have suspended operations by government order

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The government order was effective March 30 and will extend until April 30, as part of the country's plan to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

This earlier story confirmed the plans of some of the miners with operations in Mexico. Several more have followed suit, including the below.

First Majestic
Canada-based First Majestic Silver has announced the idling of its San Dimas, Santa Elena and La Encantada mines in Mexico in adherence to the order.

While it has been working since the decree to help make the case to the federal government that mining is essential and critical, especially silver due to its antibacterial properties, discussions continue and regulators have so far not altered their position on the issue.

The miner is reducing its workforce, implementing only care and maintenance activities such as security and environmental processes. It has withdrawn its whole-year guidance for production and costs.

During this period, First Majestic said its staff woudl consist of 17 full-time physicians and several healthcare professionals. These individuals are working in tandem with health authorities in Mexico.

Telson Mining
Another Canada-headquartered producer, Telson Mining, has suspended its operations at the Campo Morado mine in Guerrero, Mexico, and is currently ramping down its workforce.

The company said it already implemented control and safety measures several weeks ago, including the cancellation of non-essential visits, comprehensive sanitation measures and pre-screenings.

Campo Morado is now entering care and maintenance through the end of the stoppage.

"The health and safety of our employees, union partners, contractors and the communities in which they work and live are a priority," president and CEO Ralph Shearing said.

"We will continue to provide significant support to our employees and where possible to local community residents. To date, Telson has not experienced any incidents related to COVID-19 at its sites or corporate offices."

Coeur Mining
At the Palmarejo gold-silver operation in Mexico, owner Coeur Mining is also winding down operations for the duration of the government-ordered idling period.

It also has withdrawn its guidance for whole-year 2020, noting it will re-evaluate at a later point in the year and advise at that time.

While Palmarejo will be on care and maintenance, the company's mines in the US will continue operating.

It, too, has not been notified of any positive cases of the virus at its operations on either side of the border.

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