Mine security encompasses all policies, personnel, systems, and technologies deployed to protect a mining operation's assets, infrastructure, workforce, and ore products from theft, sabotage, trespass, illegal artisanal mining, and other threats. In diamond mining — where high-value stones can be concealed on a person — security protocols are particularly stringent and may include biometric access control, X-ray body scanning, closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, bag searches, and tamper-evident packaging at all stages of the recovery process. Gold mines also face significant security risks due to the high value of the metal; bullion rooms, refineries, and carbon-in-pulp circuits are subject to strict access control. In bauxite and iron ore mining, security focuses more broadly on protecting heavy equipment, fuel stores, electrical infrastructure, and preventing illegal dumping or trespass. Mine security teams often work in cooperation with national police and private security contractors. Many operations in developing nations must manage the risk of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) encroachment on their licensed tenements, which requires both legal enforcement and community engagement strategies. Security risk assessments are a standard component of mine feasibility studies and operational management plans.
