COVID-19 Industry Response

Our response to COVID-19

The NSW mining industry is implementing strict COVID-19 Protocols to help our mining workforce, mining families and mining communities to remain safe and healthy during this challenging time. 

Our industry is working closely with the NSW and Commonwealth governments, regulators, other resources industry associations and the community to ensure we can continue safe operations for everyone. 

Health and safety is our industry’s top priority. 

Mine sites across NSW are implementing the new COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols for the mining industry. These Protocols have been developed by industry leaders in accordance with public health advice, and include enhanced health monitoring and testing, increased cleaning and sanitation, work from home policies, social distancing, changed travel and transport arrangements, enhanced screening for visitors, and more.

The Protocols formalise many of the measures already implemented at mine sites across our state, including enhanced monitoring, increased cleaning and sanitation, work from home policies, social distancing and screening measures for visitors.

The continued operation of mine sites, managed in strict compliance with these COVID-19 Protocols, will support jobs and allow the mining industry to continue to deliver economic benefits across the community - especially at this time when this is very much needed.

>> Read NSW Minerals Council’s statement on COVID-19 

COVID-19 Control Measures - A practice guide 

The NSW mining industry is considered a leader in WHS management with comprehensive and rigorous systems in place. The COVID-19 pandemic presents new challenges through which NSW Minerals Council and our member companies are committed to implementing control measures to reduce the risks to the workforce, their families and community while maintaining the essential service of mining. 

Health and safety remains the industry’s first priority and the control measures implemented will help to ensure that workplaces are safe. The control measures have been developed to align with guidelines from relevant governments, world experts and health authorities. Additional improvements will be continually implemented as the situation evolves and the effectiveness of controls developed.

>>Download 'COVID-19 Control Measures in the Mining Industry'

COVID-19 National Protocols endorsed by Australian Miners 

The NSW Minerals Council has endorsed the new National Protocols for the mining industry to provide a consistent minimum application of measures to protect mine workers across Australia.

>> Visit the MCA’s dedicated information page on COVID-19 for the Australian Mining industry 

The NSW Minerals Council, along with other state chambers the Minerals Council of Australia and APPEA, MCA, is endorsing and recommending these Protocols to ensure the highest levels of health and safety.

>> Read NSW Minerals Council’s media release: NSW implementing COVID-19 health and safety national protocol 

>> Sign up to the MCA’s email list to receive the latest COVID-19 news affecting the Australian Mining industry 

If you have any questions about COVID-19 or our industry’s response to the global health pandemic, please contact us info@nswmining.com.au.  

Useful health resources



COVIDSafe app - download now 

COVIDSafe was developed by the Australian Government to help keep the community safe from coronavirus (COVID-19). Together, let’s help stop the spread and keep ourselves and each other healthy.

COVIDSafe uses Bluetooth® technology on your mobile phone to look for other devices with COVIDSafe installed. Your device will take note of contact you’ve had with other users by securely logging their reference code. If you or someone you’ve been in contact with is diagnosed with coronavirus, the close contact information securely stored in your phone can be uploaded and used—with your consent—by state or territory health officials to quickly trace people who’ve been exposed to the virus.

Download the app for iPhone and Android.

Visit COVIDSafe.com.au to learn more about how the app works.

Australian Government app - download now

The Australian Government has launched an information app called “Coronavirus Australia”, as well as a WhatsApp group you can join for the latest updates.

We encourage you to download the app to keep updated with instructions from health experts and the authorities.

Coronavirus Australia