Platinum Group Metals Temporarily Suspends Operations
In compliance with the policy directions of local government units and to allay growing concerns with the spread of COVID-19 in the country, Platinum Group Metals Corp. (PGMC), the operating arm of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (PSE: FNI), has decided to temporarily suspend operations in its Cagdianao site effective immediately.
On the morning of April 6, 2020, PGMC received a message from Surigao del Norte Provincial Governor Francisco T. Matugas asking for the temporary halt in its operations. Later in the day, Mayor Georgia D. Gokiangkee of the Municipality of Claver also pleaded for the deferment of operations to help keep Claver and Surigao del Norte secure.
“As a good corporate citizen, we comply with all rules and regulations, and as a good neighbor, we listen to the concerns of the local community,” said FNI President Dante R. Bravo. “We also stand together with the Surigaonon people and the whole country in the fight against this pandemic.”
PGMC continues to observe the strictest quarantine and sanitation protocols consistent with scientific and regulatory standards and to respond to the economic concerns of its workforce and stakeholders with its business contingency plan.
In the meantime, it will maintain a skeleton staff for the conduct of site maintenance and relief operations. The company has initially earmarked PhP10 million for the procurement, re-packing, and distribution of relief assistance to the impact and non-impact communities from the 14 barangays of the Municipality of Claver. To date, the company has distributed relief goods, disinfectants, face masks, meals, and other essential items to 10,995 individuals. The distribution to another 65,000 individual beneficiaries is underway.
