Open Access

An Examination of Cybersecurity Practices and Resilience in the Global Mining Critical Infrastructure Sector

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Prof. M. B. T. Hazarika ¹ ,

⁴ Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati, India

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic literature review examines the state of cybersecurity and resilience within the global mining industry, which is a critical infrastructure sector facing increasing digital threats. The review aims to synthesize current practices, identify unique vulnerabilities, and evaluate the role of international standards in mitigating risk. A novel conceptual framework based on Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD) is used to clarify key terminology, such as "cybersecurity" and "resilience," within the specific context of the mining sector.

Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using a search of academic databases and industry reports. A thematic analysis was then applied to synthesize the collected data, identifying recurring themes related to threats, vulnerabilities, current practices, and the implementation of standards like ISO/IEC 27001.

Findings: The review confirms that the mining industry's growing reliance on automation and interconnected technologies has exposed it to significant cyber risks, including ransomware attacks and disruption of Operational Technology (OT) systems. While some companies are adopting cybersecurity measures, the implementation of formal frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001 is not widespread. The findings suggest that while these standards offer a strong foundation, they are often insufficient on their own, as they do not fully address the unique challenges of OT-IT convergence and remote operations.

Originality/Value: This paper is among the first to provide a comprehensive, systematic review of cybersecurity specifically within the global mining sector. Its unique contribution lies in its use of the WSD concept to provide a clearer, more precise analysis of complex terminology, which is often a source of confusion in this field. The study identifies critical gaps in both research and practice, offering a clear roadmap for future research and policy development that emphasizes a shift toward a more holistic, cyber-resilient approach.

Keywords

Cybersecurity, Mining industry, Critical infrastructure, ISO 27001

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