Mining giant BHP has confirmed a second contractor has tested positive for COVID-19 in the Pilbara.
More than 70 workers were forced into isolation at the Yandi iron ore mine, north-east of Newman, after a contractor returned a positive PCR test at the weekend.
A BHP spokeswoman said a second contractor has now tested positive.
"They have not reported any symptoms.
"Contact tracing and deep cleaning at site is continuing, and other close and casual contacts remain in isolation as a precaution."
The two contractors, who tested positive, were working in BHP's rail team.
The spokeswoman said the health and wellbeing of BHP's workers was its top priority, and everyone impacted was being fully supported during their isolation period.
Casual contacts will need to return a negative PCR test before they can return to work.
Chief executive of peak resources body the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA Paul Everingham said the industry is prepared for the spread of COVID.
"Given that COVID has been in the wider community we have been prepared and expecting this to happen but we feel very prepared," he said.
Call for close contact guidelines to change
The WA Government last week announced new rules surrounding close contacts, isolation and testing protocols, but said the changes wouldn't be implemented until the state reaches a "high case load".
The CME has welcomed the new rules but called on the Government to introduce them now, rather than wait for case numbers to rise.
"Things like if you're COVID positive you'll be able to isolate for seven days as opposed to the current 14 and that will help bring people back into the workforce quicker," Mr Everingham said.
Border uncertainty hurts short-staffed businesses
Businesses in WA's north, affected by ongoing staff shortages as a result of the state's hard border, are also calling for certainty about a reopening date.
The Mayor of Karratha Peter Long said while he understands that some people don't want COVID in the region, businesses are struggling.
"It's been going on a long time now," he said.
"I hear both sides but I would really like [the border] to be open as soon as possible."
Mr Long also wants to see vaccination rates in the Pilbara region rise, which are among the lowest in the nation.
The latest Federal Health Department weekly geographic data showed fewer than 60 per cent of residents aged 15 and over in the Pilbara are fully vaccinated.
