Mining services face shutdowns amid Victoria’s stage 4 restrictions

A ban is also in place for the professional, scientific and technical services sector, which may have an impact on mining services such as “professional photographic services” that may encompass drone operations.

Stage 4 restrictions apply to metropolitan Melbourne only.

On-site mineral exploration work has been closed by the Victorian Government for six weeks in metropolitan Melbourne, while coal mining, oil and gas extraction, metal ore mining, non-metallic mineral mining and quarrying and petroleum production will all remain open with a COVIDSafe plan required.

“All open businesses and services will have until 11:59pm Friday 7 August to enact a COVIDSafe plan focused on safety, prevention and response in the event that coronavirus is linked to the workplace — because beating this virus requires a rapid response wherever it rears its head,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

Andrews said yesterday that all business operations listed to close for on site work would have until 11:59pm Wednesday August 5 to shut shop for the next six weeks, “unless they have specific circumstances that mean they need longer to shutdown safely”.

“Businesses in regional Victoria can apply for a $5000 grant while those in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire can apply for up to $10,000 in recognition of spending longer under restrictions,” Andrews added.

While many sectors have been informed about limited worker capacities, the mining sector has not received specific instructions on this matter from the Victorian Government.

Australian Mining has reached out to industry bodies for further clarification.