EY report identifies operational complexity as top mining risk for 2027

A new EY report, based on a survey of 400 senior mining and metals executives, identifies operational complexity as the primary business risk for the industry heading into 2027. The report, titled “Top 10 Business Risks and Opportunities in Mining and Metals,” notes that aging deposits, declining ore grades, and increasingly difficult extraction processes are threatening the industry’s ability to maintain production.

Key contributors to operational complexity include regulatory compliance delays and variability in reserve grades, which was cited by 29% of respondents. Other significant concerns affecting 24% to 26% of executives include labor availability, material handling, processing capacity, transport, and equipment reliability.

Beyond operational hurdles, the report ranks capital availability as the second-largest risk, noting that investors are becoming increasingly selective. Other major risks identified include supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and geopolitical volatility. These challenges are particularly critical for the production of minerals essential to industrial development and secure global supply chains.