Canada’s mining and natural resources sector is a global leader in the extraction of metals, minerals, and energy commodities. The complexity of operations, spanning remote sites, OT and IT systems, and global supply chains, makes cybersecurity a strategic priority. Executives in this sector must protect operational continuity, safeguard intellectual property, and ensure compliance with international and domestic regulations. The following leaders exemplify excellence in building security programs that enable operational efficiency while protecting corporate and critical infrastructure assets.
Rob Labbe – CEO & CISO-in-Residence, Mining and Metals ISAC
Rob Labbe is a proven, focused security and business leader specializing in proactive security policies, processes, and tools that enable business outcomes. He excels at developing integrated IT and OT security programs that support digital transformation at global scale.
Rob believes that effective security starts with understanding the business objectives, challenges, and risks, and designing programs that both protect the organization and support operational goals. He is also passionate about building and mentoring security teams, fostering both technical and soft skills to ensure program success beyond technology investments.
Ian Lee – Manager IT Security & Compliance, Hudbay Minerals Inc.
Ian Lee leads enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy and governance for Hudbay Minerals, a global copper mining organization. He is responsible for developing, executing, and communicating a risk-driven security program that protects IT and OT environments while enabling operational efficiency.
Key achievements include implementing a risk-based framework aligned with NIST and CIS controls, deploying a full identity and access management solution with HR-driven workflows, securing industrial control systems, transitioning to a managed SOC model, and designing organizational policies for responsible AI. Ian emphasizes measurable value creation through governance, automation, and alignment with business priorities.
Sergio De Oliveira – Information Security, Vale
Sergio De Oliveira is an experienced security professional with multiple certifications including CISM, CISSP, CSSLP, Security+, MCSA, and ITIL. He manages information security for Vale’s base metals operations across Canada, the UK, Brazil, and Japan.
His responsibilities span developing company-wide security policies, third-party risk management, DevSecOps implementation, email phishing campaigns, SOC and SIEM oversight, and employee security awareness. Sergio also serves as a Board member of MM-ISAC (Mining and Metals Information Sharing Center), aligning security programs with global standards while ensuring compliance and resilience across Vale’s international operations.
Anthony Licciardi – Cyber Security Manager, Newmont Corporation
Anthony Licciardi is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with nearly 20 years of international experience. He currently serves as Cyber Security Lead for Newcrest Mining Limited and has previously held senior roles at National Australia Bank, IBM, and AGL.
Anthony is adept at using practical, real-world insights to demonstrate the importance of cyber resilience. His expertise spans security architecture, advisory, risk management, and cross-functional leadership, ensuring that mining operations remain secure while maintaining operational efficiency and business continuity.
Mauricio Hidalgo – Vice President Head of Technology, IAMGOLD Corporation
Mauricio Hidalgo is accountable for IT, OT, Digital, Data Analytics, AI, and Cybersecurity at IAMGOLD Corporation. He brings 20+ years of global mining industry experience across 17+ mine sites in 12 countries.
Mauricio is recognized for aligning technology strategy with operational priorities, optimizing IT-OT convergence, implementing predictive analytics and ERP solutions, and executing continuous improvement initiatives. His leadership emphasizes cost savings, increased productivity, and the integration of people, processes, and technology to deliver measurable value across all stakeholders.
Securing Canada’s Mining and Natural Resources Sector
Cybersecurity in mining and natural resources is not just about IT. It is about protecting high-value operational assets, ensuring safety, and maintaining continuity in complex, distributed environments. The leaders featured here exemplify how thoughtful, business-aligned security programs, combined with strong team development and operational oversight, create resilient organizations capable of navigating today’s evolving threat landscape while supporting growth and efficiency.