Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation (“Baffinland”) provided an update on the COVID-19 outbreak at its Mary River Project in Nunavut on May 5, 2021. Following the first incident of transmission confirmed at the Mary River Project on May 2, 2021, Baffinland’s robust screening process has identified an increase in presumptive positive cases at the Mary River Project. Samples have been sent for confirmation testing by Nunavut Public Health. Anyone identified as presumptive positive for COVID-19, as well as all persons identified through contact tracing, are in isolation and being monitored regularly. 

The health and safety of Baffinland’s workforce is always a top priority and the decision has been made to temporarily suspend operations and demobilize all non-essential workers from Mary River until such time as control has been regained over the spread of COVID-19. Essential workers will continue to maintain all sites and infrastructure, as well as continue environmental maintenance and monitoring. Industrial cleaners will be on site providing enhanced sanitization services in preparation for the return to full operations. Baffinland continues to work closely with Nunavut Public Health during this time.

Baffinland is providing its site-based workforce with an opportunity to access COVID-19 vaccinations and discussions are ongoing for an additional option to vaccinate workers at site in the future. The Mary River Project has maintained no contact between Nunavut communities and its workforce since early 2020 and the risk to communities from this outbreak remains low.

Source: Baffinland