Although to date the Company has not experienced any known losses relating to cyber-attacks or other data/information security breaches, there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur such losses in the future. The Company’s risk and exposure to these matters cannot be fully mitigated because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats. Cyber security and the continued development and enhancement of controls, processes and practices designed to protect systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for the Company, but there is no assurance that actions taken by the Company will be sufficient to eliminate the risks.
Any future significant compromise or breach of the Company’s data/information security, whether external or internal, or misuse of data or information, could result in additional significant costs, fines, lawsuits and damage to the Company’s reputation. In addition, as the regulatory environment related to data/information security, data collection and use, and privacy evolves, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to the Company’s business, compliance with those requirements could also result in additional costs. The Company may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance protective measures or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Mining operations generally involve a high degree of risk and potential liability and insurance coverage may not cover all potential risks associated with the Company’s operations.
Unusual or unexpected formations, power outages, labour disruptions, theft of assets, Indigenous communities complaints, industrial accidents, flooding, explosions, cave-ins, seismic activity, rock bursts, landslides, pollution, inclement weather, fire, mechanical equipment failure and the inability to obtain suitable or adequate machinery, equipment or labour are several of the hazards and risks involved in the conduct of exploration programs in the Company’s mineral properties, including the Juanicipio Project, any of which could result in personal injury or death, damage to property, environmental damage and possible legal liability for any or all damage. There was a fatality at the Juanicipio Project in 2014. Safety measures have been implemented by the Company and Fresnillo; however, there are no assurances that these measures will be successful in preventing or mitigating future accidents. The Company maintains insurance against risks in the operation of its business in amounts that it believes to be reasonable. Such insurance, however, contains exclusions and limitations on coverage and the Company’s insurance may not cover all potential risks associated with the Company’s operations, including the operations in the Juanicipio Project. There can be no assurance that any such insurance will continue to be available, will be available at economically acceptable premiums or will be adequate to cover any resulting liability.
In some cases, such as with respect to environmental risks, coverage is not available or considered too expensive relative to the perceived risk. Losses resulting from any uninsured events may cause the Company to incur significant costs that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and financial condition. In addition, from time to time, the Company and Minera Juanicipio may be subject to governmental investigations and claims and litigation filed on behalf of persons who are harmed while at its properties or otherwise in connection with the Company’s operations. To the extent that the Company or Minera Juanicipio is subject to personal injury or other claims or lawsuits in the future, it may not be possible to predict the ultimate outcome of these claims and lawsuits due to the nature of personal injury litigation. The Company does not carry political risk insurance. Similarly, if the Company or Minera Juanicipio is subject to governmental investigations or proceedings, it may incur significant penalties and fines, and enforcement actions against it could result in the closing of the Company’s mining operations. If claims and lawsuits or governmental investigations or proceedings are finally resolved against the Company or Minera Juanicipio, as applicable, the Company’s financial performance, financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Natural Disasters
The Company is subject to risks typical in the mining business. These include, but are not limited to, operational issues such as unexpected geological conditions and natural disasters, such as earthquakes, that cause unanticipated increases in the costs of extraction or leading to cave-in and rock bursts, particularly as mining moves into deeper levels. Major cave-ins, flooding, storms or other natural disasters could also occur under extreme conditions. Such occurrences could result in damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production facilities, personal injury or death, environmental damage, delays in mining, monetary losses and possible legal liability. As a result, the Company may incur significant liabilities and costs that could have a material adverse effect upon its business, results of operations and financial performance.
Infrastructure, including electricity supplies, that may be currently available and used by the Company may, as result of natural disaster, be destroyed or made unavailable or available in a reduced capacity. Were this to occur, operations at the Company’s properties may become more costly or have to be curtailed or even terminated, potentially having serious adverse consequences to the Company’s financial condition and viability that could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial performance.
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