Strengthening COVID-19 resilience in Papua New Guinea’s mining sector

Background

The resources sector is a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) economy. Any disruption to mining operations has significant consequences, with flow-on effects to government services such as health and education.

In early 2021, a COVID-19 outbreak forced many mines in PNG to temporarily suspend operations as a containment measure. Since then, case numbers have risen and the risk of further shutdowns has remained high. At the same time, the Australian Government imposed restrictions on the movement of expatriate resource sector workers between PNG and Australia to limit the risk of transmission.

Against this backdrop, the resources sector invested heavily in strengthening COVID-19 controls and management systems. However, operating in PNG’s unique cultural, political and geographic environment posed additional challenges.

Approach

Aspen Medical partnered with members of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum to provide independent advisory services on COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC). Our co-design approach ensured solutions were tailored to each mine’s workforce, location and operating context.

Key elements of our support included:

• assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 management systems, particularly for fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers
• providing evidence-based recommendations to mining operations, following comprehensive reviews
• assisting a major mining company to successfully control an active COVID-19 outbreak.

Working collaboratively with stakeholders, we adapted our recommendations to fit the realities of geographically dispersed operations, varying workforce sizes and differing on-site conditions.

Results

Our specialist multidisciplinary team provided analysis and health intelligence that was embraced by clients across the sector. Mining companies worked closely with us to strengthen their IPC frameworks, ensuring worker safety and operational continuity.

Importantly, despite differences in scale, location and local challenges, each mine that engaged with our advisory service achieved successful outcomes in strengthening resilience against COVID-19 disruptions.

Outcome

By providing independent, context-specific advice, Aspen Medical helped PNG’s mining sector maintain operations during a period of significant health and economic risk. This support contributed to:

• reduced likelihood of operational shutdowns
• improved health and safety outcomes for workers and surrounding communities
• enhanced confidence in cross-border workforce management

Through a collaborative and practical approach, Aspen Medical supported one of PNG’s most critical industries to continue operating safely, minimising the broader economic and social impacts of COVID-19.