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The company, which operates two coal mines in KwaZulu-Natal, has introduced rigorous screening and testing measures, created quarantine facilities for those who test positive and now provides transport to the mines, it wrote in a statement.

The Toronto- and Johannesburg-listed company was previously able to return to 30% of its operating capacity on April 14, after receiving permission from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

South Africa initially entered a strict 21-day lockdown on March 24. This was also extended on April 15 for two weeks, but has now drifted into an indefinite period with little government clarity on when it will be eased.

"The safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, their families, contractors and communities in which we operate remain our primary concern" said the company in a statement.

Since the April 15 extension the firm has implemented a 'no-work-no-pay' policy for employees whose services cannot be utilised. However, it has also held consultations with trade unions to identify and investigate alternatives to alleviate the financial strain that this will cause on affected employees.