Concerns raised for mental health of workers isolated at Tanami gold mine
Concerns have been raised for the mental health and wellbeing of miners isolated at the Newmont Corporation Granites Gold Mine in the Tanami.
Northern Territory
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THE Territory union representing workers at the Newmont Corporation Granites Gold Mine says there are grave concerns for the mental health and wellbeing of miners isolated at the site.
Seven-hundred miners have been in lockdown at the site since Saturday, after a worker who travelled from Bendigo to Brisbane and then to the Tanami Desert mine tested positive for the Delta strain of Covid-19.
United Workers Union NT branch secretary Erina Early said Newmont was progressively addressing issues after it plunged into the sudden lockdown, with the company forced to bring in new staff who were unfamiliar with the site and prompting delays with food and other necessities.
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She said while the mine was implementing initiatives such as boosting internet access, organising a laundry routine and arranging care packages, there needed to be more support for the mental health and wellbeing of the isolated staff.
“It’s positive to hear Newmont is making steps to address worker concerns. We would like it done quicker but we appreciate the remoteness of the mine site,” she said.
“They do need to step up more and check on the mental health and wellbeing of the workers. They can’t go outside of their dongas, there’s no natural light or fresh air. Smokes can’t go out and they can only talk to people online or by the phone.
“They’ve got to make sure they’ve got counselling services for workers. They need to be sure they’ve got someone to talk to.
“Our union delegate has been doing a great job trying to iron out the issues especially in this logistics nightmare. It has been a very difficult and frustrating time for our mining members and their families who are waiting for them to come home. The union’s priority is the safety and well being of our members.”
On ABC Radio Newmont Australia regional senior vice president Alex Bates said staff were regularly being contacted.
“Every team leader on site is contacting every one of their team members every day,” he said.
“We have an employee assistance program has always been available to all of our employees and business partners. We’re making that an opt-out process as opposed to an opt-in instead of just providing the numbers and the trained psychologists that are available, ensuring that people are receiving a call, and so they can have conversations about any concerns.”
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