The mining industry is known as a vital sector with extremely high-value assets. However, operational security threats do not come only from external factors such as illegal mining (PETI) or environmental disturbances—one of the biggest risks often comes from within: insider threats.
In the mining context, these threats may involve theft of raw materials, equipment sabotage, logistics manipulation, and even collusion within the supply chain. Since they are carried out by insiders who understand the system and its operational weaknesses, these threats are harder to detect and can potentially damage the system from within.
Why Are Insider Threats in Mining a Serious Concern?
Several industrial security studies indicate that more than 60% of theft incidents in heavy industries are committed by internal employees or partners. In the mining industry, these can take the form of:
Embezzlement of high-value mining materials such as gold, nickel, coal, or rare earth metals
Collusion with external actors to facilitate illegal access to restricted areas
Sabotage of operational equipment that leads to downtime or workplace accidents
Manipulation of logistics data or inventory records through internal digital systems
In many cases, perpetrators are individuals with access to strategic areas and sensitive data who remain unnoticed due to a lack of comprehensive internal monitoring.
Types of Insider Threats in Mining Sites
Insider threats in the mining sector may include:
Theft of mined materials like gold, coal, or rare earth metals
Manipulation of logistics and shipment data, including embezzlement along the distribution chain
Collusion with external actors to facilitate unauthorized access to restricted areas
Sabotage of heavy equipment or operational systems, causing downtime or accidents
Misuse of company data or digital systems, including attempts to manipulate production reports
Why Are These Threats Difficult to Detect?
Internal threats often go undetected by conventional security systems because the perpetrators are part of the trusted environment. Several factors contribute to their complexity:
Perpetrators understand workflows and system vulnerabilities
Gaps in access control and outdated audit mechanisms
Lack of integration between physical and digital security systems
Limited security awareness within the company’s internal culture
Nawakara’s Strategy for Mitigating Insider Threats at Mining Sites
As a provider of Integrated Security Solutions for strategic industries, Nawakara does not focus solely on external threats. Protecting against internal threats is a key component of our holistic security approach.
Here are the solutions we offer:
1. Integration of Physical and Digital Systems (Cyber-Physical Security)
Nawakara integrates physical surveillance systems (such as CCTV and biometric access control) with digital platforms (access logs, monitoring dashboards) to monitor personnel movement and unusual activity in real time.
2. Access Audit and Sensitive Area Classification
We establish a classification system for areas based on sensitivity levels and verify who has access—whether through access cards or biometric systems. All movements are recorded and traceable during audits.
3. Behavioral Monitoring & Risk Flagging
By leveraging historical data and AI-based behavior analysis (via systems such as Protectify), Nawakara can detect patterns that deviate from normal activity. For example: personnel who suddenly access certain areas excessively outside their assigned hours.
4. Security Ethics Training & Awareness Programs
Internal violations often occur due to ignorance or impulsive behavior. Nawakara provides specialized training to build a strong and professional internal security culture.
5. Anonymous Reporting System (Whistleblower)
To encourage early reporting among employees, the whistleblower system is designed to be anonymous and secure. Employees can report potential violations without fear.
Consequences if These Threats Are Not Addressed
Unchecked insider threats can cause major impacts, such as:
Financial losses due to theft or equipment damage
Decreased productivity due to operational disruptions
Loss of investor and business partner confidence
Legal and reputational risks, especially if related to security negligence
Towards a Comprehensive Security System
Mining operations cannot rely solely on fences and surveillance cameras. Managing internal risks requires more than technology—it requires organizational awareness.
PT Nawakara Perkasa Nusantara is here to address these challenges with strategic approaches and advanced technology, ensuring mining ecosystems remain safe, productive, and aligned with national and global standards.
Contact Nawakara today to get a mining security solution tailored to your site’s characteristics and risks. Reach out now!
