A Cannington worker has tested positive to COVID-19, mine owner South32 has confirmed.

The company says the employee was on rostered time off and had not been on site for several days when his symptoms presented.

“He is now self-isolating at home and is under the management of the Townsville Public Health Authority,” a company spokeswoman said.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely and are taking every precaution to minimise any impact. 

“We are providing regular updates to employees and our recommendations are aligned with those of government and health authorities, including deferring travel and enforcing self-isolation for any employee, contractor or visitor who has returned from overseas.”

The workforce at South32 Cannington in North West Queensland is made up of about 550 full-time employees and up to 300 contractors.

News of the Cannington coronavirus case comes after BMA on Saturday advised that a supplier who recently visited Daunia coal mine in the Bowen Basin had tested positive for COVID-19.