Mining

An Industry involved in the extraction and processing of minerals and resources from the earth.

Threats & Risks

Mining accidents

The mining industry is associated with a variety of potential accidents, such as cave-ins, explosions, fires, and equipment failures, which can cause serious injuries or fatalities.

Structural failures

The buildings and structures associated with mining operations are often large and complex, and failures can occur due to design flaws, poor maintenance, or natural disasters.

Land subsidence

Mining can cause land subsidence, which can result in damage to buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

Tailings dam failures

Tailings are the waste products that result from mining operations, and they are often stored in large dams. Tailings dams can fail due to poor design, inadequate maintenance, or natural disasters, which can result in catastrophic environmental damage.

Water management

Mining operations often require large amounts of water, and poor management of this resource can lead to environmental damage and water shortages for local communities.

Transportation

Mining operations often involve the transportation of large amounts of materials, which can pose risks to workers and the general public if not properly managed.

Hazardous materials

The mining industry often involves the use and storage of hazardous materials, such as explosives and chemicals, which can pose risks to workers and the environment if not properly managed.

Natural disasters

Mining operations are often located in areas that are susceptible to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and landslides, which can cause damage to facilities and infrastructure

Ransomware attacks

Mining companies often rely on industrial control systems and other computerized processes to manage their operations. A ransomware attack could compromise these systems, leading to operational disruptions, data loss, and financial damage.

Social engineering attacks

Social engineering attacks, such as phishing, are a significant threat for the mining industry. These attacks often target employees with access to sensitive information, attempting to trick them into revealing login credentials or other valuable data.

Malware attacks

Malware attacks can infect mining company networks, leading to data loss and operational disruptions. Malware attacks can also be used to steal sensitive data, such as proprietary mining algorithms and financial data

Insider threats

Insider threats from employees or contractors who have access to sensitive information can result in data breaches, whether intentional or accidental.

Physical theft or loss

Physical theft or loss of laptops, mobile devices, or other storage devices can result in data breaches if they contain sensitive information.

Third-party data breaches

Mining companies often work with third-party vendors or suppliers who may have access to their data, and if these vendors experience a data breach, it can also put the mining company's data at risk.

System failures

Mining operations rely on a variety of technology systems, such as SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) and other software, that need to be constantly operational. Any system failure can result in downtime, which can affect the entire mining operation.

Supply chain disruptions

The mining industry is dependent on a global network of suppliers and distributors. Disruptions in the supply chain, whether caused by natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or other factors, can have a ripple effect throughout the industry and impact mining operations.

Human error

Human error can cause system failures, data breaches, and other disruptions to mining operations. This can include mistakes made by employees or contractors, as well as deliberate actions taken by insiders who have access to critical systems.

Equipment failure

The mining industry relies heavily on heavy machinery and equipment, which can break down and cause delays in production, leading to revenue loss.

Supply chain disruptions

The mining industry relies on a complex network of suppliers and partners to deliver equipment, spare parts, and raw materials. Disruptions in the supply chain can lead to delays in production and delivery.

Labor disputes

Labor disputes, strikes, and protests can disrupt mining operations, leading to production delays and revenue loss.

Regulatory changes

Changes in regulations and laws can impact the mining industry's operations, affecting production processes and increasing compliance costs.

Reputation damage

Mining companies face scrutiny over their environmental impact and ethical practices. Negative publicity can lead to reputational damage, impacting the industry's social license to operate.

Cybersecurity threats

As mining companies increasingly rely on technology for their operations, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can disrupt production processes and compromise sensitive data.

Economic downturns

The mining industry is cyclical and is heavily influenced by global economic conditions. Economic downturns can lead to reduced demand, falling commodity prices, and revenue loss

Standards Compliance Requirement

Standards	Requirement	Clauses
ISO 45001	Occupational Health & Safety management system	6.1.2.1 – Hazard identification 8.2 Emergency Preparedness and Response
ISO 14001	Environmental Management Standard	8.2 Emergency Preparedness and Response