PCR Testing Solution Implemented for Mining Company During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Overview

International SOS provided a reliable, efficient and comprehensive PCR testing solution during the COVID-19 pandemic for a multinational mining corporation operating in Papua New Guinea. 

Problem

Our client, a multinational mining corporation, has a medical center in Papua New Guinea. It supports its various operating sites as well as the local community. This case took place during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Alongside mine operations shutdown, our client implemented mandatory quarantine and COVID-19 screening for all employees who were traveling.

Our client faced an expected on-site population increase due to mine shutdown and quarantine, and inadequate on-site screening capabilities. They reached out to us for a reliable, efficient, and comprehensive screening solution. Such solution was required to avoid placing further strain on the local healthcare system.

Key challenges needed to be overcome. Logistical challenges were caused by the need to support all operating sites with one testing center. There was an increase in employee resignations due to longer quarantine periods in place. Our client faced a shortage of PCR analysers and cartridges in addition to logistical, regulatory and laboratory set-up challenges. Finally, we saw a dramatic increase in our client’s operating expenses because of these factors.

Solution

Our Medical Supply Services division mobilized an optimized, end-to-end testing solution at each of our client’s sites within five weeks. We first drew on our strong partnerships with leading medical supply manufacturers. Moreover, we leveraged our in-house PCR-testing, logistics and regulatory expertise. This allowed us to deliver a PCR solution in full compliance with testing protocols and standards. The solution included a hybrid offering of eight automated analysers, with 26 modules from multiple providers. We wanted to avoid placing further strain on the global shortage of medical supplies pertaining to COVID-19.

Impact

Around 5,500 employees across our client sites in Papua New Guinea were supported with our PCR testing services. We helped our client to increase employee satisfaction and motivation by streamlining testing logistics and preventing any production delays. Consequently, it minimised administrative processes and reduced quarantine periods.

Financial impact for our client was reduced through the limiting of any disruptions at our on-site medical facility. Reputational risks were mitigated through reduction of potential virus transmission among employees – thus ensuring and fortifying our client’s business continuity.