Fresnillo PLC, the world’s leading silver producer and a major player in the global mining sector, has reported a significant cybersecurity incident affecting its IT systems. On July 31, 2024, the company disclosed that unauthorized access to certain data had been gained during the attack. Despite the breach, Fresnillo has stated that its mining operations have remained unaffected, and there is no anticipated material impact on its financial or operational performance. The company operates a number of mines across Mexico, as well as exploration projects in Mexico, Peru, and Chile.
Following the discovery of the cyberattack, Fresnillo initiated immediate response measures to contain the breach. The company has engaged IT experts and external forensic specialists to investigate the extent of the unauthorized access and assess the incident’s potential consequences. Fresnillo remains committed to a thorough investigation and is implementing all necessary measures to safeguard its systems and data.
The company emphasized that, although the cyberattack did not disrupt its day-to-day operations, it takes cybersecurity extremely seriously and is working diligently to address the situation. Fresnillo continues to monitor the situation closely and will update stakeholders as more information becomes available. The company reassures that its operational continuity is intact and that all business units are functioning normally.
This incident comes amidst a broader trend of cybersecurity challenges faced by mining companies globally. Last month, Northern Minerals, an Australian mining firm, also disclosed a security breach following a ransomware attack. Similarly, the Canadian Copper Mountain Mining Corporation had to shut down systems at one of its mills due to a ransomware attack in December 2022. Fresnillo’s proactive approach to managing the situation highlights the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the mining industry.
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