[ferro-alloys.com]Sierra Metals (TSX: SMT) is continuing to seek consent from the Peruvian government to restart mining at the Yauricocha mine, given its remote location and implementation of strict health protocols exceeding government guidelines.

Earlier, the government of Peru extended its state of emergency and nationwide lockdown to fight the covid-19 pandemic until June 30, though President Martin Vizcarra said the latest extension would coincide with the reopening of certain economic activities.

Large open-pit mines and a select number of underground mines in the country have already received permission to restart operations in phase one. Phase two would see the second group of mining companies recommence mining activities.

Yauricocha is an underground operation located in western-central Peru in the Yauyos province, approximately 12 km west of the Continental Divide. The mine has been in continuous production for more than 68 years.

Meanwhile in Mexico, Sierra Metals is currently recalling employees from its Bolivar mine in Chihuahua state to begin a covid-19 screening process, including a quarantine period, allowing the company to be ready to restart mining activities on June 1, the effective date on which mining is deemed an essential service.

The Cusi underground mine, also situated in Chihuahua state, will remain on care and maintenance.

(Mining.com)

• [Editor:王可]