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Cabinet Reimbert Specialist in Risk Prevention

Raúl García - Cabinet Reimbert
CEO

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Paloma Duran By Paloma Duran | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Wed, 06/16/2021 - 17:57

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Q: How does Cabinet Reimbert help companies increase mine risk and securitysafety?

A: We are well-versed in all aspects of the mining industry, from exploration to commercialization, and we study all local and international legislation related to the jurisdictions in which the mines are located. This allows us to manage any type of risk that a mining company might face and to help protect its profits in case there is a physical problem, such as equipment breakdown, an explosion or fire. Some believe that the best option to mitigate physical risk is insurance but there are cheaper and more effective options.

Security also has become one of the biggest problems in Mexico, which is an area we have focused on for last 10 years in both the public and private sectors. We do not believe in going so far as to strengthen the mines because it is an unnecessary expense. We recommend that companies first identify and measure potential risks. We then propose effective solutions to address any type of problem.

Q: What actions can companies take to reduce insecurity?

A: The serious problems of the Mexican mining sector are not related to operations, marketing or production but the lack of certainty and security. The relationship with the surrounding community, for example, is a complicated issue and in Mexico it is becoming harder to address. The security safety of a mining project is closely related to the surrounding communities. If a mining company has a good relationship with the community, it becomes possible to reduce violence. I believe this is more important than having a specialized police presence in mines.

Both in the public and private sectors, the implementation of social projects has been promoted because these can function as shields against violence while bolstering the relationship with the hosts. To achieve this, mining companies must have good communication in an accessible language so that these communities can easily understand the benefits and impacts of the project and the micri culture. This part of the company that is the most human should be the least corporate so that a real and good relationship is established with the communities. A large part of the success of a project depends on this element. In addition, companies must prevent theft or extortion by carefully selecting their personnel. These employees must not only be highly specialized in mining but also trustworthy.

Q: What are the main problems that mining companies face and what does Cabinet recommend as a solution?

A: Generally, our clients seek to increase the security of the mine site or to be able to work peacefully on their projects. When prospective clients inquire about our services, we ask them about the particular problem they are facing, which may be theft, extortion or simply a lack of security. Our first question is always if they know their workers and nearby communities because the success, security safety and productivity of a mine depend on it. We believe it is important for mining companies to get closer to the community, especially a community’s leaders, to understand that community’s micro-culture and adapt to it because this proximity can solve many social and security problems.

 

In there is a problem with organized crime, it is difficult to solve, especially if the company has done something wrong, which is usually irreversible. Therefore, we recommend working with communities, and especially with the leaders, from the beginning. A good tactic is to turn them into micro-entrepreneurs and help them grow their business because if they are invested, they will protect the mine. To find out who the leaders are in the community, it is necessary to physically visit the community, establish conversations and understand the expectations. Having such a close relationship with communities can prevent problems with organized crime.

If this is not possible, the company needs to implement a security plan. We have found that spending millions on technology is not always the best option because one of the biggest problems is the collusion that can exist among people working in the mines. We have also observed that implementing simple security mechanisms such as having dogs in place or alarms that emit a bright light and loud sound can effectively scare off potential intruders. However, this is temporary because they are likely to return, which is why companies must also work with the authorities. And back to the basics.

 

Cabinet Reimbert is specialist in risk prevention, loss control, security, legal and communities that works to promote responsible mining.

 

 

 

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