Due to the nature of open cast and underground mining and the extensive environmental footprint of our operations, environmental hazards, industrial accidents, seismic activity, mining accidents and pollution may result in operational disruptions such as work stoppages, which could result in increased production costs as well as financial and regulatory liabilities.
Mining by its nature involves significant risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, as well as industrial and mining accidents. These include, for example, seismic events, fires, cave-ins and blockages, flooding, discharges of gasses and toxic substances, contamination of water, air or soil resources, unusual and unexpected rock formation affecting ore or wall rock characteristics, ground or slope failures, rock bursts, wildfires, radioactivity and other accidents or conditions resulting from mining activities, including, among others, blasting and the transport, storage and handling of hazardous materials. In addition, production, in general, is negatively affected in the summer months, with high rainfall and inclement weather conditions affecting mining in an open pit environment.
We have experienced, and continue to remain at risk of experiencing, environmental and other industrial hazards, as well as industrial and mining accidents. Any such incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Seismic activity is of particular concern in the underground mining environment. Seismic events have intermittently in the past caused death and injury to employees and contractors, and can result in safety-related stoppages. Additionally, seismic activity has also caused a loss of mining equipment, damage to and destruction of mineral properties and production facilities, monetary losses, environmental damage and potential legal liabilities.
Furthermore, there is the risk that relevant regulators, such as the DMRE in South Africa, may impose fines and work stoppages (known as section 54 stoppages) for non-compliant mining operating procedures and activities, which could reduce or halt production until lifted. The occurrence of any of these events could delay or halt production, increase production costs and result in financial and regulatory liability for us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. See also “— Our operations are subject to environmental, health and safety regulations, which could impose additional costs and compliance requirements, and we may face claims and liability for breaches, or alleged breaches, of such regulations and other applicable laws.”
In addition, the relevant environmental authorities have issued and may issue administrative directives and compliance notices in the future, to enforce the provisions of the relevant statutes (including, but not limited to, NEMA, the NWA, the NEMAQA and the Waste Act in South Africa), to take specific anti-pollution measures, continue with those measures and/or to complete those measures. The authorities may also order the suspension of part, or all of, our operations if there is non-compliance with legislation. Contravention of some of these statutes may also constitute a criminal offense and an offender may be liable for a fine or imprisonment, or both, in addition to administrative penalties.
As a result, the occurrence of any of these events may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Theft of PGM concentrate and production inputs, may occur on some of our properties. These activities are difficult to control, can disrupt our business and can expose us to liability.
We have experienced illegal and artisanal mining activities and theft of precious metals bearing materials (which may be by employees or third parties) at our properties. The activities of illegal and artisanal miners could lead to reduction of Mineral Reserves and/or Mineral Resources, potentially affecting the economic viability of mining certain areas and shortening the lives of the operations as well as causing possible operational disruption, project delays, disputes with illegal miners and communities, pollution or damage to property for which we could potentially be held responsible, leading to fines or other costs. Rising PGM prices may result in an increase in PGM theft. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Social unrest, sickness or natural or man-made disaster at informal settlements in the vicinity of some of our operations may disrupt our business or may lead to greater social or regulatory impositions on us.
There are several informal settlements located in the vicinity of some of our operations. These settlements are populated by mining company employees (including our employees), the families of mining