At Euromines, we believe that a safe and healthy workplace is the foundation of a sustainable, responsible, and competitive mining sector in Europe. On World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026, we reaffirm our commitment to the highest standards in occupational safety and health.
Explore how five of our members are practising occupational safety and health below.
Eldorado Gold - VR & Augmented Reality Safety Training
Hellas Gold – Eldorado Gold has implemented innovative virtual and augmented reality training programmes using integrated simulators for key underground equipment, such as jumbo drills and load haul dumpers. The simulators replicate actual mine environments and controls, providing an immersive 360-degree learning experience. This approach enables operators to develop and refine their skills in a safe, controlled setting, eliminating risk while avoiding disruption to ongoing production.
Atalaya Mining - AI-Supported Safety Training
At Atalaya Mining, safety is built through the daily experience of team members, whose involvement and commitment are essential for both identifying risks and driving improvement initiatives.
This approach is grounded in two key programmes. The first, “Leadership in the Field,” is an award-winning initiative recognised by the Euromines award in 2025. It brings prevention directly to the workplace, encouraging open dialogue and direct observations across all areas to help identify and prevent potential incidents.
This is complemented by the “Zero Harm Challenge,” where employee ideas, supported by artificial intelligence, contribute to improvements in training, awareness, and operational practices.
In parallel, Atalaya Mining ensures optimal working conditions through ongoing occupational health monitoring and preventive controls, including measures to detect substances that may affect perception or behaviour in the workplace.
ICL Iberia - Drone-based Inspection System
In ICL Iberia’s Iberpotash Rock Mechanics Department, they have implemented a drone-based inspection system to assess hazardous areas where personnel exposure would be unsafe.
Inspections are carried out using the Elios 3 drone (Flyability), equipped with integrated lighting, a LiDAR scanner, and an HD camera.
This technology has significantly enhanced safety by enabling detailed inspections of hazardous areas within the mine without direct human exposure.
KGHM Polska Miedź - Safety Notes
KGHM Polska Miedź’s campaign highlights the company’s core value: safety. Focusing on employees’ daily connections with loved ones, it reminds everyone that following safety rules is part of everyday responsibilities.
Yellow post-it notes in hallways, bathrooms, and workstations carry messages like:
“Dear Son! Buy milk and walk the dog. Wear your helmet at work! Love, Mom.”
“Don’t forget our visit to Grandma’s. Return safely! Love, Dad.”
Through these simple reminders, KGHM emphasises that workplace safety is a responsibility to ourselves and those who care about us.
PRIMIGEA - Safe Smartphone Use
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PRIMIGEA (Spanish Confederation of Mineral Raw Materials Industries) highlights that mobile phones, while essential for communication, task coordination, and accessing technical documentation, introduce risks in mining environments if not properly managed. Distractions or use in areas of active traffic and work can lead to serious incidents.
The sector is committed to strengthening a culture of prevention and addressing emerging risks linked to everyday habits like mobile phone use. Evidence shows that distraction is a recurring factor in workplace incidents, and mobile phones can amplify this without clear organizational guidelines.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and provide practical guidance for safe, responsible, and productive mobile phone use in mining operations by:
- Reducing accident risks from distraction in areas with machinery, traffic, or hazardous work
- Standardising best practices on when, where, and how to use mobile phones
- Strengthening preventive behavior of all staff, including employees and contractors
- Promoting a shared safety culture where prevention is part of daily routines
Safety at the Core of Europe’s Green and Industrial Transitions
As Europe drives forward its green and industrial transitions, occupational safety and health remain central to mining operations. A strong safety culture, effective risk prevention, and ongoing investment across the raw materials value chain ensure that our workforce is protected today and into the future.
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