Why access control is vital for underground mining safety

Safety and security in the mining industry are of principal concern to organizational leaders. The dangers and risks to workers in both underground and open-pit mines are well-documented and include higher accident rates compared to those in other heavy industries.

However, safety in underground mining is of particular focus given the increased operational risks in enclosed spaces. The recent accident in Chile has raised concerns about mine security, prompting leaders to reevaluate their strategies to ensure worker safety and minimize operational disruptions.

Today’s underground mining security landscape is complex, with challenges evolving as operations expand globally. Advancing access control technology can be a vital component of site safety for organizations that need scalable security solutions.

Challenges of underground mine site security

Underground mines are among the most challenging operational environments. The increase in site hazards raises concerns about worker health and safety, including complex facility layouts, toxic gases, particles and combustible materials.

Mining-related injuries account for 8% of workplace fatalities worldwide. The heightened risk of fire, flood, explosion and collapse underscores that only trained personnel should operate on site, demonstrating the ability to perform duties safely and respond effectively in an emergency before they receive access credentials to high-risk areas.

Safety incidents in underground mines are inevitable, given the nature of the industry. However, security planners need emergency response plans in place for events that threaten worker well-being, leveraging advanced safety measures and regular training to minimize worker injuries.

Rethinking safety measures

As mining operations expand and severe weather events become more common, security planners are rethinking their safety strategies. A report on coal mining accidents indicates that the most common causes of injury are dust explosions, landslides, fires and equipment and vehicle failures. Extreme weather and rapid operational growth can exacerbate safety risks to personnel.

Security teams must not only consider safety measures to mitigate accidents but also scale to address the growing challenges in mining security. As a result, advanced access control systems have become vital to a mine site’s safety strategy.

The systems use various biometric and wireless technologies to help secure mine sites from unauthorized entry and facilitate more effective emergency response. Remote management capabilities also allow security teams to respond more quickly to incidents, such as granting emergency services access.

Importance of access control

Access control helps ensure that only properly equipped and well-trained personnel can enter hazardous areas of underground mines, helping reduce the risk of accidents or injuries. The systems can help manage the most concerning safety risks, including collapses, explosions, exposure to gas and dust and poor ventilation.

Emergency response capabilities are also integral to mine site safety, as faster accounting of personnel can help reduce injuries and fatalities during evacuation. Access control systems enable security teams to verify who is on-site and help ensure their safety in the event of an incident.

Another factor behind the importance of access control systems is regulatory compliance, particularly in jurisdictions that have strict frameworks for worker safety. The devices can help ensure policy compliance by allowing only safety-certified personnel to access high-risk areas.

Pairing access control systems with other technologies, such as AI-assisted cameras and smart sensors, can provide the layered approach needed to improve an increasingly complex mining security strategy. Device data can help teams make more informed decisions about security improvements and continuously adjust safety protocols to make them more effective.

Solving security complexities

While access control is only one part of an underground mine’s comprehensive security strategy, these systems are fundamental to addressing growing concerns about worker safety. They expand capabilities to manage high-risk environments, helping ensure that only authorized personnel with the necessary equipment can access specific areas and that security teams can respond more quickly in emergencies.

One of the most pressing issues for the mining industry in 2026 will be operational complexity, as there will be increased pressure for output to meet significant demand for minerals and metals. Meeting quotas will require rapid operational expansion, which, in turn, will raise safety concerns.

Access control systems can help manage such security challenges during periods of growth. They are vital components of an underground mine’s safety strategy, offering a scalable, flexible and adaptive solution for security teams to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.

John Kim

John brings over 15 years of experience in product development and design, specializing in physical security solutions. As Senior Director of Product and Design for Avigilon at Motorola Solutions, his expertise lies in driving innovative hardware development and implementing agile best practices to deliver cutting-edge products. John also possesses a keen understanding of cloud security, AI and emerging technology trends, leveraging them to shape the future of security solutions.