Perseus Mining Limited (ASX:PRU) is donating a total of US$387,500 (A$646,000) to assist host governments and host communities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19.
As of April 6, 2020, there have been no cases of COVID-19 infection reported by any Perseus employees or contractors operating at its Edikan and Sissingué gold mines or at the Yaouré gold mine construction site.
From the company's knowledge, this also extends to the residents of host communities located adjacent to those operations – as far as we know.
Perseus is hopeful that the assistance it is providing in cash and goods, particularly that to be delivered to local health service providers, will help in maintaining the status quo.
Chief executive officer and managing director Jeff Quartermaine said: “Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 contagion, a great deal of commentary was made by market commentators on the importance to investors of the ESG (environmental, social and governance) behaviours of mining companies.
“The provision of the financial and practical assistance by Perseus to our host governments and communities that has been announced today is totally consistent with Perseus’s long-held strategy of practising sustainable mining – not just talking about it.”
“Assisting host communities”
Perseus hopes that the assistance provided to local health service providers will help in maintaining a healthy local community in the areas in which it operates.
The company is confident this, along with protocols implemented on-site, will assist in eliminating the possibility of infection of members of its workforce needed to ensure business continuity.
Quartermaine said: “The health and well-being of our employees are of the utmost importance to us and this starts by seeking to ensure that they all enjoy safe and healthy living conditions.
“We will be working closely with Ghanaian and Ivorian officials to ensure that our donations are directed to assist our host communities do all in their power to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.”
While movement in the region has been impacted by travel restrictions, supply chains remain open.