Mine to close after virus cases cluster

A MINE in the Vale of Neath is set to close temporarily following a cluster of positive coronavirus cases.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s contact tracing service, working alongside Public Health Wales, the Health and Safety Executive, and Swansea Bay University Health Board yesterday agreed the voluntary closure of Aberpergwm mine with operators Energybuild Ltd.

Executive director for public health for the Swansea Bay area, Dr Keith Reid said: “The high rate of positive test results amongst staff at Aberpergwm Mine indicates a clear need for the immediate suspension of operations at the site.

“It is essential that we reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread further and we will work with our partners to gain a clear understanding of the reasons behind the cluster of cases linked to the mine.”

Employees at the mine who tested positive have been given advice by the Test, Trace, Protect service and told to self-isolate.

Additional mobile testing capacity has also been arranged for all employees to attend.

The mine closed yesterday.

Neath Port Talbot Council cabinet member for community safety and public protection, councillor Leanne Jones, added: “We all have a role to play in keeping Neath Port Talbot safe. I urge anyone who is contacted by our contact tracing service to cooperate fully with their advice and to provide the information they need to help us limit any further spread into our local communities.”