The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed the interim authorisation granted by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) to allow resource companies to co-ordinate on sourcing crucial supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
QRC Chief Executive Ian Macfarlane said the ACCC authorisation would sanction cooperation between resource companies in the purchase and distribution of supplies.
"Resource companies have been working tirelessly with all governments to adhere to the strict health advice from authorities," Mr Macfarlane said.
"The Minerals Council of Australia and its member associations including the QRC have been working with the ACCC to address the supply challenges faced by industry due to the COVID-19 outbreak."
The ACCC said the interim authorisation would help ensure industry can source, purchase and distribute supplies and services such as health and safety equipment, logistics, equipment maintenance and consumables like fuel and explosives.
Mr Macfarlane said the ACCC would permit resource companies to share inventories and details of potential suppliers of personal protective equipment (PPE).
"While these are challenging times amid the COVID-19 response, the resources industry will continue to strictly adhere to the advice of health authorities and play a central role in the economic productivity of the state and lives of all Queenslanders."
