CARMEN Copper Corp. said it aims to ensure its business resilience to sustain the livelihood of its employees despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Our co-workers are our valued partners and are key to attaining sustainable operations. As the pandemic took its toll on jobs, we secured our employees’ livelihood,” said Carmen Copper President and Chief Executive Officer Roy O. Deveraturda in a statement on Wednesday.
He said with improved production, the company will remain focused on stable and efficient operations, product quality, accessibility and scale, and producing shared value through responsible stewardship.
Carmen Copper, a subsidiary of listed mining firm Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp., is engaged in metallic mining and mineral exploration and development.
For the second quarter, Carmen Copper recorded a 43% quarter-on-quarter increase in its copper metal production to 22.80 million pounds while its gold production also improved 9% quarter on quarter to 5,829 ounces, based on a July 23 stock exchange disclosure of Atlas Mining.
Meanwhile, Carmen Copper said in a report to the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines that it assured the continued salaries of its employees, provided assistance, and established precautionary protocols to limit infection risks.
According to the mining firm, it carried out flexible work arrangements such as work-from-home options for non-critical personnel and accommodations for those in mine and mill operations, and the provision of free bus rides for commuting employees.
Carmen Copper also disclosed that it has a 30-bed medical facility accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. The facility treated COVID- 19 positive employees and their dependents.
“The company’s emergency responders and medical teams meticulously traced contacts of people exposed to those who are COVID-19 positive and provided regular testing. It also established quarantine areas inside the mine site and provided nutritious meals, vitamins and supplements for workers who have been exposed to positive patients,” the company said.
Parent firm Atlas Mining posted a P1.94-billion net income in the first half of the year, a reversal of the P190-million net loss it incurred in 2020, due to improved metal prices and better operations.
On Wednesday, shares of Atlas Mining at the stock exchange dropped 2.42% or 15 centavos to finish at P6.06 apiece. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
