As the Western Australia mining sector continues to operate amid the Covid19 pandemic, the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia has been instrumental in providing support to three Western Australian organisations at a time of crisis.
Over $6 million has been distributed to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations (RFDS WO), Foodbank WA and Lifeline WA. These three organisations provide massive support to WA as well being a service that assists in times of need.
According to Paul Everingham, CMEWA CEO, “During the coronavirus pandemic, the WA resources sector’s highest priority is the health and safety of its people, their families and communities,” Mr Everingham said.“The sector is extremely grateful for being allowed to continue to operate in this environment and does not take the responsibility lightly.
“The resources sector has come together in solidarity at a time when the West Australian community is being asked to do the same thing.
“Our member companies are keen to collectively do something to further support our resources sector workforce, as well as the broader WA community, who are becoming increasingly challenged by current events.
“So far, Albemarle Lithium, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, BHP, Chevron Australia, CITIC Pacific Mining, Fortescue Metals Group, Gold Fields, Gold Road Resources, Mount Gibson Iron, Newcrest Mining, Ramelius Resources, Regis Resources, Rio Tinto, Roy Hill, Saracen Minerals, South32, Talison Lithium, Transalta Australia and Woodside Energy have contributed to the initiative, with further companies finalising their investment over the coming days and weeks.
“We are all in this together and we will stand with the WA community to overcome this challenge.”
Other initiatives by the mining community of WA already announced include:
- Up to $160 million from Andrew Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation and Fortescue Metals Group to procure and distribute medical supplies and increase testing;
- $25 million from Rio Tinto to support global grassroots community Covid-19 preparedness and recovery, on top of its recent extension of its $15 million Royal Flying Doctors partnership to support health for remote communities in Western Australia;
- BHP announcing several pieces of support such as
- a $50 million Vital Resources Fund
- $100 million into small, local and Indigenous businesses by accelerating payments and reducing payment terms to seven days (from 30 days)
- Employment of a further 1,500 people to support its Australian operations;
- Woodside’s $10 million COVID-19 Community Fund
“The generosity of our member companies during this crisis has been overwhelming and is reflective of the top priority they place on protecting the health and safety of all of their employees and Western Australian communities,” Mr Everingham said.