Canada’s Copper Mountain Mining Corp. reported that the company’s IT systems at its Copper Mountain mine and corporate office were subject to a ransomware attack on December 27, 2022. The company quickly implemented its risk management systems and protocols in response to the attack. The company said it has isolated operations, switched to manual processes, where possible, and the mill has been preventatively shut down to determine the effect on its control system.
External and internal IT teams are continuing to assess risks and are actively establishing additional safeguards to mitigate any further risk to the company. Copper Mountain is investigating the source of the attack and is in contact with the relevant authorities, who are assisting the company.
Located in Princeton, B.C., the Copper Mountain mine currently produces approximately 100 million lb/y of copper equivalent on average. No safety or environmental incidents occurred because of the attack. The company said its main priority is to continue to ensure safe operations and limit the operational and financial impacts.
