Five more COVID-19 cases at northwestern Ontario palladium mine

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has confirmed five more individuals at Lac des Iles Mine (LDI) have tested positive for COVID-19.

This brings the number of infected workers at the remote mine, 90 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, to six.

Impala Canada said two of these individuals remain at the site in self-isolation, receiving medical care. The other three are at home in self-isolation.

Further testing is underway for two additional symptomatic individuals who are on site, in isolation, and under care by the mine’s health centre.  

Impala Canada has already decided to place Lac des Iles into quarantine and shut down operations starting April 13 after a worker was confirmed to have COVID-19 last week. 

Anyone showing cold or flu-like symptoms is also in self-isolation.  

The company said it’s working with the health unit to develop a departure plan to avoid the further spread of the virus at the site.

The majority of the personnel will leave the site on April 13 and will self-quarantine for 14 days (up to April 27) from the day of their departure.

Impala said mill and surface projects are shut down. Underground mining is ramping down over the next 24 hours. A small care and maintenance crew will remain on site.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made for an uncertain world and shifting realities,” the company said in a statement.

“We thank our entire LDI team for navigating this challenging time with strength and fortitude.  Together with our collaborative partners at TBDHU, we are doing what is needed to be done to protect those closest to us and the Thunder Bay community.”