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Glencore launches $25M Community Support Fund

COVID-19 initiative will support communities in which miner operates
Glencore Nickel Rim Mine
Glencore's Nickel Rim Mine as part of the Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations. (File photo)

Swiss mining giant Glencore has launched the $25-million Glencore Community Support Fund, which will assist communities in which the company operates, in addressing challenges related to COVID-19.

In an April 9 news release, the company said it would prioritize help for local health authorities and community organizations to respond to “immediate impacts of the crisis,” including access to clean water, hygiene products and medical equipment, or enabling students to continue learning, despite schools being closed. 

Glencore operates more than 180 sites and offices in more than 35 countries.

In Sudbury, that includes the Sudbury Integrated Nickel Operations, which encompasses the Fraser and Nickel Rim South Mines, the Strathcona Mill and the Sudbury Smelter.

At Kidd Operations in Timmins, Glencore operates the Kidd Mine and the Kidd Concentrator, producing zinc and copper concetrates.

“We have all witnessed the rapid spread of the virus, and the increasing need for support worldwide,” Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg said in the release.

“That’s why today, we are announcing the Glencore Community Support Fund. Our assets and offices are best placed to respond to COVID-19 in their regions and this fund will support actions that are designed and implemented locally, in collaboration with the organisations on the front line. 

“We hope that these efforts will help ease the burden on our host communities as we work together towards a common goal of combatting the impact of the coronavirus.”

The company said it had additionally been providing in-kind support from its offices, where it was able to.

Glencore said it has continued to take precautions with its workforce, including protecting higher risk groups, having employees stay home if they feel unwell, implementing enhanced cleaning measures and introducing temperature screening, as well as restricting non-essential travel.