Mining & Outdoor Plants

• Mining sites contain valuable commodities like precious metals (gold, silver), copper, rare earth elements, or gemstones, which are prime targets for theft due to their high resale value on the black market.
• Processed materials or stockpiles (e.g., ore, gravel) are also targeted for resale.

Most mining operations and outdoor plants are located in rural or remote areas, far from law enforcement or public oversight, allowing thieves and vandals to operate undetected with minimal risk of immediate intervention.

These sites often span vast areas with minimal perimeter security, such as basic chain-link fencing or no barriers at all, making them easily accessible. Open pits, stockpile yards, and equipment storage areas are particularly vulnerable to unauthorized entry.

Many mining sites and outdoor plants have reduced or no staff presence during nights, weekends, or off-seasons, leaving valuable materials and equipment exposed to theft and vandalism.

Sites are prone to vandalism, such as graffiti, equipment sabotage (e.g., damaging machinery, cutting fuel lines), or destruction of infrastructure. Vandalism may stem from local disputes, environmental protests, or opportunistic trespassers.

Heavy machinery (e.g., excavators, loaders), tools, and fuel are valuable and portable targets, often stolen for resale or use at other sites. These items are frequently left unsecured in open yards.

Mining and outdoor plants often face vandalism due to community opposition or environmental activism. Protests over land use, water contamination, or ecological damage can lead to sabotage, such as damaging equipment or defacing infrastructure.