As wildfire seasons get longer and more intense, understanding the risks and  preparing your business is more important than ever  

Canada’s mining industry – a cornerstone of the national economy – faces an escalating threat of longer and more intense wildfire seasons. Although an image of a mine site engulfed in flames may be what immediately comes to mind, the true cost of these disasters extends far beyond facility damage. The downstream impacts of wildfire incidents near mines can affect supply chains and communities supported by the mining operations, hurting the broader economy.

Recent statistics underscore the evolving wildfire threat: in Canada the last two years have been the most destructive wildfire seasons on record, with summer 2024 seeing insured losses top $7 billion, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, with mines from Eastern Canada to the Prairies having to evacuate or close due to wildfires.

While fire damage to mines remains relatively uncommon, the broader impacts of wildfires in the surrounding area can be substantial. Smoke, evacuations, and supply chain disruptions can hinder operations.

Neil Chaudhuri, Operations Chief Engineer at global insurance company FM, says that proximity to forests is a key risk factor – and with wildfires increasingly impacting both Western and Eastern Canada, the likelihood of disruption is growing every year.

“Mining companies need to consider the various ways in which wildfires can affect their business, and make sure each part of their operations is resistant to wildfire,” says Chaudhuri.  

The impact of wildfires is not just a concern for mining companies; shutdowns can also cause strain local communities that rely on the mining operation as a significant employer. Prolonged shutdowns can lead to shift reductions and layoffs. When people aren’t working, they aren’t spending money, which negatively impacts the local economy.  

So, what can be done? The answer lies in proactive risk mitigation and resilience planning. Mining companies need to shift from a reactive to a preventative approach, recognizing that wildfire risk is not going away. This requires a comprehensive assessment of an entire mining operation ecosystem, from supply chains and infrastructure to employee safety.

“In a nutshell, wildfires in Canada are increasing in frequency and severity. If you don’t take the appropriate steps to mitigate risk, there could be a risk to operating your mine and being able to deliver product to your customers,” says Chaudhuri.

Key mitigation strategies include:

• Vegetation management: Removing vegetation around critical infrastructure, including electrical lines, water lines, and conveyors.
• Fire-resistant construction: Utilizing fire-resistant materials and designs for buildings and structures.
• Ember attack prevention: Covering combustible construction, clearing yard storage, and using wire mesh screens to prevent embers from igniting fires.
• Emergency response plans: Developing comprehensive, wildfire-specific emergency response plans that include building construction details, opening locations, yard storage, and ventilation systems.
• Contingency planning: Stockpiling essential materials and establishing alternative shipping routes to ensure business continuity.

FM plays a critical role in helping mining companies navigate this complex landscape by offering on-site risk assessments conducted by experienced engineers specializing in fire, natural hazards, and weather. These assessments include building-by-building analysis, proximity to vegetation assessments, and slope analysis to identify vulnerabilities. FM provides customized solutions tailored to the specific needs of each mining operation, leveraging data and expertise to mitigate risks.

Proactive risk mitigation and resilience planning are essential for mining companies to protect their operations, revenue, and reputation. Don’t wait for the flames to arrive; prepare now to ensure your operations are stable and insecure in a rapidly shifting and unpredictable climate.

To access free resources and discover how FM can help you build a more resilient mining operation visit https://risk.fm.com/mining.