PORGERA MINE CONTINUES COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM

The Porgera Mine in Enga Province will continue to roll out its COVID-19 vaccination program for employees and contractors, who are currently part of the Care and Maintenance (C&M) team.

When the AstraZeneca vaccine was rolled out at the mine site on the 21st May 2021, 23 volunteer employees and contractors received the jab, and to date a total of 162 employees and contractors have been vaccinated.

So far two employees have received their second shots after being vaccinated initially at their point of hire, while the first 23 volunteers are expected to receive their second jab in August.

As a part of the company’s commitment and to encourage employees to get vaccinated, an incentive program was launched this week that gives K50 cash to employees after receiving their first jab, and a monthly draw for a K500 voucher. This has seen the number of employees and contractors receiving the jab increase, with our highest weekly number of 34 vaccinated employees. The vaccine is being administered weekly by the Mine Medical team and the rest of the C&M workforce are being encouraged to get the jab.

PJV Chief Medical Officer Dr. Isaac Asa said it has been a challenge to encourage employees due to misinformation and conspiracy theories, but he is encouraged to see the number of employees and contractors coming forward each week gradually increasing.

“We usually get on average 14-15 employees on vaccination day, but since the beginning of the incentive program that has doubled. Many employees and contractors are still hesitant to get the vaccine due to misinformation and conspiracy theories. “

PJV will continue to educate and encourage all of its employees and contractors to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their work colleagues, and their families from COVID-19, with the incentive program the latest initiative the Mine Management team has implemented.

The Niupela Pasin protocols are strictly being observed across site.