Around 70 people are isolating and waiting for test results after a worker at a BHP mining camp in WA's north tested positive to COVID-19, with the state also recording 12 new local cases.
The contractor was working in BHP's rail team.
They recorded a negative rapid antigen test before flying to the Yandi iron ore mine on Tuesday last week, but started experiencing symptoms on Sunday and returned a positive PCR test at an accommodation village.
A spokesperson said the company was working with the WA Health Department to conduct further contact tracing, and was undertaking deep cleaning across the impacted sites.
"The person is isolating at an accommodation village in line with government requirements, and being provided with care and support while they await the results of further testing," the BHP spokesperson said.
"BHP has had strong controls in place throughout the pandemic to support the health and safety of our people and the community, while maintaining safe ongoing operations.
"We will continue to review and adapt these measures as the pandemic evolves."
Some new cases linked to nightclub
The 12 new local WA cases are linked to existing clusters, including seven connected to the Library nightclub cluster.
Some of the cases were infectious in the community, and contact tracers are working to determine potential public exposure sites.
A further 10 travel related cases have also been recorded.
One previously reported case is now out of intensive care.
However, testing figures are continuing to decrease. In total 4,736 people were swabbed at WA clinics yesterday, compared to 5,435 the day before.
Authorities are again urging anyone who attended the 'Club Bootylicious' event at the Library Nightclub between 9.30pm on January 22 and 5am on January 23 to get tested immediately and isolate until they return a negative result.
COVID case at 29Metals site
Meanwhile, mining company 29Metals has also reported a positive COVID case at its Golden Grove copper, zinc and precious metals site near Yalgoo, about 500 kilometres north-east of Perth.
A spokesperson said the case was a contractor who showed symptoms and took a PCR test over the weekend, which was positive.
The person is no longer symptomatic and is spending 14 days in isolation on site.
The spokesperson said the case has had no further impact on operations, and all tests to date on the contractor's close contacts have come back negative.
COVID mining plans in place
Mining companies across the state have been preparing for the arrival of more COVID-19 cases into Western Australia.
BHP noted in its most recent operational review it expected to see short-term disruption as the pandemic evolved.
Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott told ABC Radio Perth the past couple of years had given companies time to prepare.
The mining company had its own COVID cases this month at Perth Airport when two positive results were returned by workers through routine screening.
"We're preparing the business for increases in COVID," Mr Trott said.
"We have layers of control in terms of protection."
Mr Trott it was tough to estimate what impact COVID spread would have on business.
"It's difficult to speculate at this point, but we're going to have to be ready to respond to what's going to be unknown and uncertain," he said.
"Our business ultimately relies on the movement of people."
Mr Trott said Rio had been testing scenarios on-site, and welcomed the state government's announcement of a shorter isolation period to be introduced when the community sees a high case load, from 14 days to seven.
When that will be rolled out is unclear, and will be based on advice from the Chief Health Officer.
Opposition wants March 5 opening
Opposition parties are calling on the state government to reopen the state on or before March 5.
Opposition leader Mia Davies said the community needed a date to work towards.
"[Based] on our assessment, having read the Chief Health Officer's advice, listened to the health experts, and the growing concerns that have been raised in the business community, we think any later than March 5 will be putting West Australians at serious risk," Ms Davies said.
Ms Davies said the CHO's advice pointed "quite clearly" to waning immunity for those who were boosted early, including vulnerable people, health and service workers.
She said it was estimated at least 75 per cent of the eligible population would have received three doses of a COVID vaccine by early March.
"That doesn't mean we're putting wealth before health. It means we need a balanced decision based on leadership and health advice, as opposed to the polling decisions we're seeing the Premier and government making."
Businesses come to terms with new rules
Across the state, businesses have also been grappling with the rollout of broader vaccination rules.
From more people needing a jab to head into their workplace, to expanded proof of vaccination requirements at venues like gyms, cafes, bars and bottle shops throughout WA, a plethora of changes came into force on Monday.
Some cafes have decided to move to takeaway only to allow unvaccinated people to enter, while other venues are figuring out where and how to check proof of vaccination.
Protesters gathered outside Government House this morning, with some saying they had lost their jobs due to the mandates.
One woman said she would still go to businesses where proof of vaccination is required, and inform them it was discrimination if they did not serve her.
