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Resourcing for tomorrow: Building resilience against the 5 critical risks for modern mining companies

The mining sector sits at the heart of the global economy and is a foundational component of the energy transition, supplying the critical minerals that power electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and storage systems. North American miners are uniquely positioned to lead this charge, but only if they can embed resilience into every stage of their decades-long lifecycle.

The cost of uncertainty: Why resilience is the new currency of leadership

In today’s volatile environment, blind spots are costly. Unplanned disruptions – stemming from climate-related events, equipment failures, cyberattacks, geopolitical shocks, or people risks – can halt production, drive financial losses, and undermine stakeholder confidence.

The most competitive organizations are those that anticipate risks, adapt quickly, and maintain continuity in the face of volatility. Resilience is no longer a defensive posture; it is a source of advantage, and is, therefore, the new currency of mining leadership.

By combining forward-looking strategies with data-driven decision-making, mining leaders can better protect their workforce, safeguard their operations, and position themselves as indispensable players in a more sustainable world.

Unlocking opportunity: The five crucial risks shaping the mining future

The complete guide, "Resourcing for tomorrow: Building resilience for mining companies", highlights five risk areas with the greatest implications for miners today and explores how mastering resilience in each can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Your organization faces a complex, intricate web of interconnected risks that require a holistic management strategy.

The full report provides detailed guidance on how to proactively manage:

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Climate adaptation and sustainability risks

Extreme weather is identified as the primary long-term risk over the next decade and the second highest risk most likely to present a material crisis globally in 2025. Mining organizations must address the consequences of adverse weather and rising temperatures, alongside transition risks related to decarbonization. The strategies involve using physical climate risk modelling to pinpoint vulnerable assets and developing robust net zero plans.

Equipment maintenance and availability

Equipment breakdown poses a significant risk that can delay production for extended periods or trigger mine closure. Because specialized equipment often has replacement lead times that take months or years, resilience hinges on establishing robust maintenance systems and incorporating preventative, predictive, and proactive maintenance strategies. A well-crafted sparing strategy for critical spares availability and storage is also crucial.

Cyber risk and foundational technology

Digital transformation has opened the floodgates to a host of new cyber exposures. Cyberattacks, whether targeted or untargeted, threaten foundational technology and impact employee safety, security, finances, and reputation. Leaders must prioritize strong cyber hygiene, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and establish clear incident response planning.

Geopolitical uncertainty

Macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts create increased market volatility. The high demand for critical minerals required for the energy transition is driving risks like resource nationalism (raising taxes, export restrictions, and expropriating assets). Resilience requires thorough political risk analysis, strengthening supply chain visibility, and developing relationships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) to maintain a License to Operate (LTO).

People risk and the talent gap

An organization’s greatest asset is its people, yet the sector faces a significant talent gap and skills shortage. This includes a mass exodus of experienced leaders due to retirement. Addressing people risk requires reimagining your workforce through diversity and inclusion (D&I), prioritizing talent development and succession planning, and supporting the psychosocial health and safety of employees.

RESILIENCE: THE NEW CURRENCY OF MINING LEADERSHIP

Access strategies to secure a stronger, more sustainable future for your organization.

To secure a stronger, more sustainable future, mining leaders must embrace resilience as a strategic priority. This report provides the detailed strategies, data-driven insights, and risk management frameworks necessary to protect your assets and operations, strengthen your workforce pipeline, and adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of ongoing uncertainty.

Don't let blind spots cost you – gain the advantage needed to succeed for decades to come.

Learn how to navigate volatility, strengthen your foundation, and position your organization as an indispensable driver of the global energy transition.


Download the full report to master the 5 critical risks for modern mining resilience.

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