The BHP-owned mine began administering AstraZeneca to its employees and contractors on Thursday.

It is aiming to vaccinate at least 150 members of its workforce in coming weeks.

The newly established vaccination clinic is a resources sector pilot, which has been supported by the National COVID-19 Vaccination Taskforce.

The program aims to help boost local vaccination rates and inform future workplace-based programs across Australia.

The mine has also introduced rapid antigen testing for its workforce. More than 5000 tests have been administered to date.

"We want people to feel safer inside our gates than out and first and foremost, these controls will ensure we can continue to support the mental health and wellbeing of our workforce during this challenging time," Mt Arthur Coal general manager Adam Lancey said.

"This is our new normal and our Mt Arthur Coal team will continue to work towards keeping our people and local communities healthy and safe in the face of a global pandemic with very real consequences for NSW and our region."

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Operation Covid Shield coordinator Lieutenant General John Frewen applauded the vaccination program.

"Workplace vaccinations are an important part of the overall campaign," he said.

"I look forward to working with employers in NSW and across the country as we move to this important phase in accelerating the rollout.

"We have seen significant interest from business, community and sporting groups and we will continue to add further groups as the vaccine supply ramps up."

BHP Minerals Australia president Edgar Basto said companies like BHP had a responsibility to assist the vaccine roll-out.

"In line with the road map agreed by National Cabinet, we recognise that the path forward is through widespread vaccination and we are looking at a range of practical ways to help Australia safely reopen its borders and its economy while protecting communities and workforces," he said.

"The measures we already have in place are helping to keep our people safe. We hope our trials and broader program of support will help tackle the virus.

"Getting more Australians vaccinated more quickly will help protect communities and enable a safe return to more normal ways of working - benefiting small and large businesses.

"Our experience in our Chilean operations, where workplace and community vaccination hubs have helped get local vaccination rates to nearly 90 per cent, show it can be done well."

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