Justina Nelson urges mining firms to strengthen operational cybersecurity

Justina Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), has called for Ghana's mining sector to adopt robust cyber resilience strategies to safeguard the nation's mineral wealth. Speaking at a workshop organized by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), Nelson highlighted that as the industry increasingly relies on automation and digital technologies, it becomes more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats. The primary focus of her appeal is the protection of Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which are critical to the physical operations of modern mines.

The MIIF CEO explained that the transition toward digital connectivity, while improving efficiency, introduces significant risks that could compromise both worker safety and overall production levels. She emphasized the critical importance of data integrity, noting that the mining industry must look beyond simple defensive measures. Nelson stressed that organizations need to be fully prepared for the entire lifecycle of a cyber incident, which includes proactive detection, rapid response, and effective recovery protocols to minimize downtime and prevent operational failures.

Supporting this call for heightened security, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George and CSA Chief Divine Selase Agbeti underscored the necessity of a "resilience first" approach. Minister Sam George highlighted the interconnected nature of digital systems across various sectors, suggesting that a breach in the mining sector could have cascading effects throughout the national economy. The officials collectively urged stakeholders to prioritize resilience over mere deterrence in their cybersecurity planning.

To address these evolving vulnerabilities, MIIF is encouraging collaborative efforts between mining companies, regulatory bodies, and cybersecurity experts. The goal is to create a unified framework for sharing intelligence and best practices regarding the security of industrial systems. As the sector continues to modernize, the integration of cybersecurity into the foundational planning of mining operations is viewed by officials as a non-negotiable requirement for sustainable industrial growth in Ghana.