Mining Safety & Security
The mining industry operates in complex, high-risk environments where process safety and security are essential. From remote operations and hazardous materials to critical infrastructure and supply chain dependencies, mining facilities face unique safety and security challenges that require a structured, risk-based approach. Effective safety and security programs help prevent catastrophic incidents, reduce operational disruptions, and safeguard business continuity.
Process safety and security in mining extend beyond traditional occupational safety considerations. Facilities must address risks associated with explosives, fuel storage, tailings management, mobile equipment, critical utilities, and site access control. At the same time, security threats, whether intentional acts, theft, sabotage, or cyber intrusion, can have severe consequences, including environmental releases, production shutdowns, regulatory enforcement actions, and reputational damage. As such, A proactive approach enables mining organizations to identify vulnerabilities and implement layered controls before incidents occur.
Regulatory Requirements & Compliance
Regulatory requirements and industry expectations reinforce the need for robust safety and security management systems. Mining operations are subject to oversight from agencies such as MSHA, OSHA, and environmental regulators, as well as international standards and company-specific requirements. Compliance failures or major incidents can result in significant fines, loss of operating licenses, or extended downtime. By integrating safety and security risk management into day-to-day operations, organizations support regulatory compliance while improving overall operational resilience.
Benefits of Proactive Risk Management
By proactively managing safety and security risks, mining companies can reduce the likelihood of incidents, protect critical assets, and ensure the uninterrupted extraction and delivery of resources. In addition, strong programs also support workforce confidence, stakeholder trust, and long-term operational sustainability.
Mining Safety & Security Consulting Services
Through tailored consulting services, including risk assessments, audits, and regulatory compliance reviews, AcuTech supports mining clients in identifying hazards, assessing security threats, and implementing practical mitigation strategies. Our team provides expertise across process safety, physical, technical, and cybersecurity, crisis management, and training. We help mining organizations strengthen their safety and security posture while aligning with regulatory and business objectives.
- Mining Safety & Security Program Development, Review, and Enhancement
- Development of Standard Operating Procedures for Security and Safety
- Site Audits & Safety and Security Assessments
- Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs) for Mining and Mineral Processing Operations
- Security Risk Assessments
- Loss Prevention Analysis
- Cybersecurity Risk Assessments for Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems
- Explosives Storage, Handling, and Security Assessments
- Tailings Management Risk Assessments
- Hazard Identification and Risk Register Development
- Determination and Development of Risk and Loss Mitigation Strategies
- Crisis and Emergency Management Planning
- Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance Reviews and Gap Assessments
- Security training Certification to Protect High-Value Assets, Access Control Measures, Personnel Safety and Effective Emergency Response
- Drills and Exercises covering Tier I, II and III Requirements
- Pre-Insurance Audits
AcuTech’s consultants are well versed in codes and standards and will refer to these as well as each client’s local jurisdiction codes and standards.
- Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Regulations. U.S. federal regulations governing mine safety and health for surface and underground operations.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards. Applicable workplace safety standards for mining-related facilities and support operations.
- International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Performance Expectations. Industry-leading guidance for safe, responsible, and sustainable mining practices.
- ISO 45001. Occupational health and safety management systems standard.
- ISO 14001. Environmental management systems standard, relevant to mining operations and tailings management.
- Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA). A multi-stakeholder standard for responsible mining, covering environmental, social, and governance aspects (OHS, Indigenous Peoples, Waste Management, etc.).
- OECD Due Diligence Guidance. The OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas provides the foundation for many standards and regulations, focusing on risk-based due diligence to identify and mitigate risks in mineral sourcing.
- Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO). Sets the template for national reporting codes like Australia’s JORC Code, South Africa’s SAMREC Code, and Canada’s NI 43-101, ensuring consistent public reporting of mineral resources and reserves.
- World Gold Council’s Responsible Gold Mining Principles. For responsible gold production.
- International Cyanide Management Code. For responsible use of cyanide.
- Kimberley Process (KP) Certification Scheme. This international process is a key regulation for preventing the trade of “conflict diamonds” (rough diamonds used to finance wars).
- Explosives Regulations (ATF and international equivalents). Requirements governing the storage, handling, and security of explosives used in mining.
- NFPA Codes & Standards. Fire protection and life safety standards applicable to fuel storage, processing areas, and facilities.
- ANSI/API Standard 780. Security Risk Assessment Methodology applicable to mining operations with petroleum, fuel storage, or critical infrastructure elements.
- IEC 62443. Cybersecurity standards for operational technology in automation and control systems.
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Guidance for managing cybersecurity risk, including OT systems used in mining operations.
- GMSG (Global Mining Standards and Guidelines Group). Facilitates collaborative development of solutions for common industry challenges.