The Euromines Safety Awards 2025, held on 8 October in Brussels, brought together members and stakeholders from across the mining industry to celebrate excellence in safety. Among the distinguished guests was keynote speaker and jury member Charlotte Grevfors Ernoult, Head of Unit at the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion at the European Commission. In an industry where safety is paramount, this year’s winners were recognised for their outstanding commitment to advancing protection and prevention. The event highlighted not only best practices but also the innovation shaping the future of safe and responsible mining in Europe.
Atalaya Riotinto’s “Field Leadership Activities” project promotes a proactive safety culture by placing workers at the heart of prevention efforts. Through multidisciplinary teams, the initiative conducts audits, safety observations, “Stop and Talk” sessions, and inspections, fostering cross-departmental learning and direct management engagement. Tracked via a digital platform, the project has led to fewer accidents, stronger risk awareness, and lasting cultural change, all with minimal investment and maximum impact.
Boliden Mineral AB’s “Blast Safe” project is a cutting-edge system that ensures all personnel are safely evacuated before blasting. By integrating real-time access control with location verification via access cards or smartphones, the system confirms that everyone is either outside the blast zone or in a certified shelter before authorizing detonation. Supported by routine checks and performance reviews, Blast Safe significantly improves safety, accountability, and confidence in one of mining’s highest-risk operations.
LKAB Mekaniska AB’s “Safety Lock for Silo Renovation” project eliminates the need for workers to enter hazardous silos during maintenance. Using drones, VR simulations, and a remotely installed safety lock system, the solution achieved zero man-hours inside the silo, drastically reducing risk while maintaining operations. The project showcases how digital tools and cross-functional innovation can significantly enhance safety and efficiency in industrial maintenance.
Looking to the Future of Mining Safety
The Euromines Safety Awards 2025 celebrates groundbreaking innovations that raise the bar for safety in the mining industry. Each winning project demonstrates that, even in a industry with high safety standards, there is always potential to go further. These forward-thinking initiatives not only enhance day-to-day operations but also set a strong foundation for a safer, more efficient future in mining.