BHP partners with Chilean mining companies to strengthen cyber defences

BHP has announced that it — together with Anglo American and Chilean miners Antofagasta Minerals, Codelco and Collahuasi — has launched an initiative to strengthen defence against cyberthreats.

Known as the Mining Cybersecurity Corporation, the initiative aims to generate and share cyber-intelligence information for early warning and response, and to promote a culture of cybersecurity in mining operations.

The initiative is being led by Chilean mining promotion entity Corporación Alta Ley and supported by the Chilean Ministry of Mining.

More than 4 billion cyber attacks took place in Chile during the first half of 2023, positioning it as the fifth country in Latin America with the most incidents. The unprecedented technological progress in recent years brings important benefits, but also involves several cybersecurity risks.

Studies indicate that, by 2025, cyber attacks will cost companies approximately US$10.5 billion.

“As BHP we are enthusiastic about this initiative and, therefore, we want to contribute with our experience in the protection of assets and systems,” said Ezequiel Fagetti, Cybersecurity Manager Minerals Americas, BHP. “Cybersecurity is vital for the proper functioning of the different production systems and, ultimately, for us to continue contributing to the country. If we strengthen this aspect, we strengthen the mining industry as a whole, its value chain, and safeguard the benefits for everyone.”