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Company officials said that its Philsaga Mining affiliate received permitting from the local government of Bunawan, where the mine is located, to operate with certain conditions.

One of those conditions was to only source mine workers from surrounding areas which the company expects would have an impact on near-term production.

"The company will continue to implement precautions to avoid or minimise any COVID-19 health risk to our people while at work," it said. "The site remains COVID-19 free."

It noted that the "enhanced community quarantine" that initially resulted in the shutdown is continuing across the country, adding it will continue to monitor the terms and impacts closely.

The underground Co-O mine is located in central-eastern Mindanao and can be accessed by a national highway north of Davao City.